"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
Doug Jones
YOU ARE THE REASON
Fai_Ryy
Color Me Curious
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@theartofmadeline
Discoholic 🪩
Monterey Bay Aquarium
KIROKAZE
bliss lane
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#extradirty
todays bird
if i look back, i am lost
Product Placement
hello vonnie
Misplaced Lens Cap
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seen from Germany
seen from Uganda
seen from Mexico
seen from Paraguay
seen from India
seen from Iraq
seen from New Zealand
seen from Pakistan
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Iraq
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Venezuela
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from Indonesia
seen from Ukraine
seen from Germany
seen from Bangladesh
@ant-fella
“Oh, I didn’t see you there! Come in. Don’t mind the ants crawling on you, they’re just exploring. If they try to get in through your eyes then ignore them. It’s harmless!”
—
Welcome, this is a blog for Anthony Antoine Antonio. Feel free to send in asks or threads whenever! Please remember there’s a person behind this blog and due to that, I have a few guidelines:
1. No NSFW
2. Try to mark TWs as necessary
3. Flirting with the character is okay
Rosa and the Manager had a plan. Well, maybe that was more like she had a plan, and the other god was waiting for an excuse to murder the pesky Entity. But Rosa had spent too long hanging around immortals to let her rage speak louder than rationality. A position that probably came from being the weaker link in the chain, however, Rosa still thought her course of action made more sense than simply throwing hands with a thing they barely knew anything about.
That was why Rosa was now marching towards Glory's cell. Having a conversation with people who had had experiencies with that Entity was her first clue as to what exactly that thing was.
"Glory? Ms. Glory?" she called, looking around.
@fromcanvastolife 🖌️
Her cell was expansive to say the least, like four football fields if you were excluding a tunnel in the back. Flowers and bushes decorated the flourishing grass alongside trees that created a grand canopy.
Perches of all kind alongside hammocks and platforms with nests made on the wood was the primary note from the skyline. Leaves created a nice coverage for her, making spotting her all the more difficult until she wanted to make herself known.
Fortunately, she was curious and chose to fly down to a lower branch where she could be seen. Her blazing feathers were fluffed up slightly in defense, plume flaring up a tad as well. She tilted her head curiously.
“Glory is alright,” she tried to keep her tone polite and free of fear. “Uh— what’s going on? I don’t think I’ve ever met you before.”
Glory chuckled, “Holy shit, I see what Naga means by you two sounding insane sometimes. I mean, I get it, you’re not human but geez. No judgement but people typically don’t say that in front of a third wheel.”
She began on the second braid.
“We refuse to be silenced by friendship.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"We don't have any sort of filter. It's also a good reason why we're not having a public wedding. If you think this is bad, imagine what we'd say for our vows."
@ant-fella
“No, because now I’m curious what your vows theoretically would be. Give me your best.”
@waylay-managment-2
*they took Evelyn’s hands.*
“I swear I will do anything for you. I would kill for you. Die for you. I would live for you through the worst pain in the world. As long as I get to see your face again.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*She took a deep breath to prepare for a big speech, then paused.*
"How lucky am I?"
@ant-fella
“Awww, that’s actually really sweet. I think that’d be socially appropriate at a wedding but I may not be the best gauge of that.”
A memory came to mind. One with Evelyn she nearly forgot. The way she glanced at Evelyn when she asked was with a moment of hesitation before she brushed it off.
“Yeah, you’re lucky.”
@waylay-managment-2
“You can’t ask how lucky you are in your vows, people won’t answer.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Have you ever heard of something called a 'rhetorical question'?"
*Evelyn flicked their forehead. She looked back at Glory, silently asking if she was okay.*
@ant-fella
She didn’t respond, just working on the final braid. It would likely have to be a conversation brought up later. Glory didn’t want to ruin the mood whatsoever.
“Hey, I’ll answer so long as I’m there! Give me a script and I’ll answer any question.”
@waylay-managment-2
“I’lo proof read your best woman speech.”
"I fear this conversation is making you want to plan a wedding, love. That's not to say I'm annoyed by it, but I do like our original plan better."
@ant-fella
She perked up with a giant goofy grin, “You’d let me be your best woman?”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course I would! And Evelyn, yes, I’d love to plan a wedding. And then we both never show up and elope at a courthouse with Glory as a witness and then we run away together to the Antarctic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Our wedding night, on the same day as the fake one, consisting of dressing up nice and eating dinner in my room, on the floor, with no one else but each other. Very romantic."
@ant-fella
“I’d HAPPILY be your witness. I’d have my best woman speech planned and everything so you can have that ounce of an experience. I also just want to write one to be honest. I think it’d be sweet,” she tied off the last braid with a smile.
“That sounds amazing.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well, you can absolutely write one.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"...Would people be upset if we invited them to a wedding we never show up to? No one really knows who I am, but I don't want them to not like me."
@ant-fella
“Nah, just tell them to go along with it. Warn them beforehand and bring good food and alcohol. Most people really look forward to that stuff.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Also, a lot of people know you. I tell them how amazing you are.”
"They don't know me personally, though. I could be different from their expectations. But I'm not sure. It could be fun to mess with everyone."
@ant-fella
“You’re pretty likable, I’ll tell you that. Besides, if they can’t take a joke when they’re explicitly warned this is what you’re doing, that’s on them. It’s your wedding day. That day is for you.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Exactly. Plus they still get to have a party.”
"Mmm. Alright. I'm not going to be the one to invite anyone, though. I don't know anyone well enough for that."
@ant-fella
“You know me!” She chirped. “You better invite me.”
Glory finished the braids completely and it was a complete display of rainbow floral all carefully braided into their hair. It stood out nicely against their pristine white suit.
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course we will.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That was a given. I can't decide, though, if planning a wedding we won't attend will end up being more or less stressful than if we were to be there."
@ant-fella
“Just plan some food and music mainly,” she shrugged. “That seems like the most important parts to me. I always loved the music to most.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well we have to get Vic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*Evelyn raised an eyebrow, smile teasing.*
"So you won't hear him perform?"
@ant-fella
“Who is Vic?”
@waylay-managment-2
“My favorite musician of all time who preforms from 9-10 every night because it’s my restaurant and I can do what I want.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"You should really take that approach to more things in life."
*Evelyn has decided to keep her opinions to herself.*
@ant-fella
She hesitated but smiled slightly when asking, “can I listen to them..? Watch them perform, I mean. I remember seeing the lobby and it was always so active and I feel like it’d be amazing.”
…but didn’t she say never to let her out?
@waylay-managment-2
“I can probably get you a portable cell so you could see out. Like a cat carrier. You’d have to be in bird form though.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Perhaps it could use magic to let you see everything, but only let people see you if you want them to. Make it bigger and more comfortable on the inside than it looks on the outside.."
*She started to hum as she thought out the possibilities.*
@ant-fella
Cage. That would be like a cramped cage…but she couldn’t complain about a gift. She couldn’t complain even if she imagined when she couldn’t even open her wings an inch.
She shook her head free of her spiral.
“That’d be really nice. We could go listen and maybe get a drink? I don’t mind people seeing me but could you make the inside feel bigger maybe…? Not to be needy of course! Im okay with whichever you give me!”
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh, absolutely! I wouldn’t want you to feel claustrophobic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That'd be basic decency on our part. It also brings up a question: if we're not there, as originally planned, who'll be there to carry you, dear Glory?"
@ant-fella
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, pupils dilated before she glanced back down. Wrong. No. Bad. Can’t.
“I uh…I don’t know. I think you two are the only ones I feel comfortable with in case shit hits the fan…I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me because I’m paranoid though. I can always just stay in here.”
The same walls. The same perches. Even if it was nice, it’d drive anyone insane to see the same over and over again.
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh nonsense. I can happily do it! Besides, I like showing people around.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Giving tours might as well be a hobby of theirs. At this point, I think it is."
@ant-fella
“Really? Why do you like it so much?”
She perked up once more.
@waylay-managment-2
“I like showing off my handiwork! And, I also like showing off my wonderful children, and The Waylay is one of them.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Oh! Speaking of, Jackson said to me that Wil would be happy to help plan our wedding. Even if we're only focusing on food and music, I'm sure it'd love to contribute."
@ant-fella
She smiled, “I’d love to meet Wil as well. We could talk over a late night snack while Vic plays in the lobby. It’s just a thought.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That reminds me that I've yet to meet Wil. I've yet to meet a lot of your children, actually. I'd say that adopting children is also a hobby of yours, and it's technically true, but it sounds so strange."
@ant-fella
“Oh god, I was a bit of the same way back with the entity,” she scoffed. “I’ve always had a sweet spot for kids.”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s easy to do when they’re here. Most of them show up without a parent. What else am I supposed to do other than give them one?”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Fair enough. That reminds me, actually, and I apologize for killing the mood, but I might as well talk about it now, since I haven't had a good opportunity to yet."
*She considered her words carefully for a while, looking between Manny and Glory.*
"What does the name 'Invicta' mean to either of you?"
@ant-fella
Glory stiffened and eyes were practically pin points.
“Why?”
Pure an utter terror dripped from her tone. It was something primal that she couldn’t pin down.
“Evelyn, where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes never faltered from her but they did glaze over, heart beat pounding as a video replayed in her mind.
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Glory.*
“It just means invincible in Latin. Glory, what’s wrong?”
*Evelyn sighed, smile strained.*
"A child showed up at home a few days before I met you, Glory. A bat child. I helped it clean up because it was dirty. A few nights later, I caught a man as he was hunting it. He was the one that said the name, and then I killed him."
@ant-fella
She was completely frozen and eyes flickering over to the door. No, she couldn’t break through it. She’s tried that before.
Trapped. She couldn’t leave here. She couldn’t do anything.
Glory’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she took a step back, nearly stumbling. She picked at her cuticles and shook her head.
“Get away from that kid Evelyn.”
It was practically a growl.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. Explain.”
"I already have gotten away from it."
@ant-fella
“Manny, I don’t know how much I can say.”
She glanced to the door.
“Leave. Please, I’m not trying to be rude but I need you to leave.”
She was shaking. There was no way for her to escape but there was still ways to avoid.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. I’ve never met this kid. If you say they’re bad, they’re bad. I trust you.”
"...Alright. I'm sorry. I should see if Naga is ready to cut her head off, anyway. See what the children are up to."
*Evelyn kissed Manny goodbye and stood up, face neutral and pulling at a chunk of her hair as she left the enclosure.*
@ant-fella
She was hit with a wave of guilt at Evelyn’s clear distress. Glory crossed her arms and glanced away. She was disgusting.
“I’m sorry..”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s okay. I get it. Just… what can you tell me safely?”
Glory sat down and placed her hands into her lap. She glanced up at Manny before shuffling closer. Making herself not so skittish was still on her mind even as she felt like she was about to pass out.
“I…I don’t know why I remembered that name so vividly. My body just reacted. Invicta is…someone I don’t know if I actually know. The kid I know…well,” she explained it like poison on her tongue.
“Did the kid hurt you in some way?”
Her stare was far away from here as she tensed. Glory held her tongue, balling her knees up to her chest. She just stared at the grass like the most interesting thing in the world.
“Is the kid related to the entity?”
She shrugged. Glory was completely out of it and that response was more of needing to give one than hearing anything. She was trembling, nails digging into her tights hard enough to begin causing holes.
*they gently pulled her into a hug.*
She flinched at first, the shaking only increasing until she could reason with herself they wouldn’t hurt her. She was safe. Their arms could be a safe haven. She just needed to learn how to not freak out when staring down safety.
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt anymore,” she whimpered. “I’m tired of it..”
“I won’t let people get hurt.”
She laughed but it wasn’t funny, “Manny, more and more people will get hurt. You can’t fix everything it’s done and will do. I live knowing all I can do is manage the damages. I’m so sorry.”
Glory squeezed them in the hug, trying to get closer. She just needed to know she had someone. She couldn’t be alone.
*they squeezed her tighter.*
“Doesn’t mean I can’t try.”
She looked them in the eye, unwavering, “You’re going to die, please.”
“Glory. When I say no one will get hurt, I include myself. I can’t save people if I’m dead.”
She hummed and decided to leave the topic. She was satisfied.
“I just…I felt like that word send a bullet through my chest. I can’t explain it…”
Glory traced designs on their back, ranging from a cat to random swiggly lines.
“That’s okay.”
“No, it’s not okay,” she took a deep breath.
“Because we don’t know what’s causing it so then I might be in danger and something worse can happen. I can’t walk around without knowing what’s going on to me.”
Glory chuckled, “Holy shit, I see what Naga means by you two sounding insane sometimes. I mean, I get it, you’re not human but geez. No judgement but people typically don’t say that in front of a third wheel.”
She began on the second braid.
“We refuse to be silenced by friendship.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"We don't have any sort of filter. It's also a good reason why we're not having a public wedding. If you think this is bad, imagine what we'd say for our vows."
@ant-fella
“No, because now I’m curious what your vows theoretically would be. Give me your best.”
@waylay-managment-2
*they took Evelyn’s hands.*
“I swear I will do anything for you. I would kill for you. Die for you. I would live for you through the worst pain in the world. As long as I get to see your face again.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*She took a deep breath to prepare for a big speech, then paused.*
"How lucky am I?"
@ant-fella
“Awww, that’s actually really sweet. I think that’d be socially appropriate at a wedding but I may not be the best gauge of that.”
A memory came to mind. One with Evelyn she nearly forgot. The way she glanced at Evelyn when she asked was with a moment of hesitation before she brushed it off.
“Yeah, you’re lucky.”
@waylay-managment-2
“You can’t ask how lucky you are in your vows, people won’t answer.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Have you ever heard of something called a 'rhetorical question'?"
*Evelyn flicked their forehead. She looked back at Glory, silently asking if she was okay.*
@ant-fella
She didn’t respond, just working on the final braid. It would likely have to be a conversation brought up later. Glory didn’t want to ruin the mood whatsoever.
“Hey, I’ll answer so long as I’m there! Give me a script and I’ll answer any question.”
@waylay-managment-2
“I’lo proof read your best woman speech.”
"I fear this conversation is making you want to plan a wedding, love. That's not to say I'm annoyed by it, but I do like our original plan better."
@ant-fella
She perked up with a giant goofy grin, “You’d let me be your best woman?”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course I would! And Evelyn, yes, I’d love to plan a wedding. And then we both never show up and elope at a courthouse with Glory as a witness and then we run away together to the Antarctic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Our wedding night, on the same day as the fake one, consisting of dressing up nice and eating dinner in my room, on the floor, with no one else but each other. Very romantic."
@ant-fella
“I’d HAPPILY be your witness. I’d have my best woman speech planned and everything so you can have that ounce of an experience. I also just want to write one to be honest. I think it’d be sweet,” she tied off the last braid with a smile.
“That sounds amazing.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well, you can absolutely write one.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"...Would people be upset if we invited them to a wedding we never show up to? No one really knows who I am, but I don't want them to not like me."
@ant-fella
“Nah, just tell them to go along with it. Warn them beforehand and bring good food and alcohol. Most people really look forward to that stuff.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Also, a lot of people know you. I tell them how amazing you are.”
"They don't know me personally, though. I could be different from their expectations. But I'm not sure. It could be fun to mess with everyone."
@ant-fella
“You’re pretty likable, I’ll tell you that. Besides, if they can’t take a joke when they’re explicitly warned this is what you’re doing, that’s on them. It’s your wedding day. That day is for you.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Exactly. Plus they still get to have a party.”
"Mmm. Alright. I'm not going to be the one to invite anyone, though. I don't know anyone well enough for that."
@ant-fella
“You know me!” She chirped. “You better invite me.”
Glory finished the braids completely and it was a complete display of rainbow floral all carefully braided into their hair. It stood out nicely against their pristine white suit.
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course we will.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That was a given. I can't decide, though, if planning a wedding we won't attend will end up being more or less stressful than if we were to be there."
@ant-fella
“Just plan some food and music mainly,” she shrugged. “That seems like the most important parts to me. I always loved the music to most.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well we have to get Vic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*Evelyn raised an eyebrow, smile teasing.*
"So you won't hear him perform?"
@ant-fella
“Who is Vic?”
@waylay-managment-2
“My favorite musician of all time who preforms from 9-10 every night because it’s my restaurant and I can do what I want.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"You should really take that approach to more things in life."
*Evelyn has decided to keep her opinions to herself.*
@ant-fella
She hesitated but smiled slightly when asking, “can I listen to them..? Watch them perform, I mean. I remember seeing the lobby and it was always so active and I feel like it’d be amazing.”
…but didn’t she say never to let her out?
@waylay-managment-2
“I can probably get you a portable cell so you could see out. Like a cat carrier. You’d have to be in bird form though.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Perhaps it could use magic to let you see everything, but only let people see you if you want them to. Make it bigger and more comfortable on the inside than it looks on the outside.."
*She started to hum as she thought out the possibilities.*
@ant-fella
Cage. That would be like a cramped cage…but she couldn’t complain about a gift. She couldn’t complain even if she imagined when she couldn’t even open her wings an inch.
She shook her head free of her spiral.
“That’d be really nice. We could go listen and maybe get a drink? I don’t mind people seeing me but could you make the inside feel bigger maybe…? Not to be needy of course! Im okay with whichever you give me!”
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh, absolutely! I wouldn’t want you to feel claustrophobic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That'd be basic decency on our part. It also brings up a question: if we're not there, as originally planned, who'll be there to carry you, dear Glory?"
@ant-fella
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, pupils dilated before she glanced back down. Wrong. No. Bad. Can’t.
“I uh…I don’t know. I think you two are the only ones I feel comfortable with in case shit hits the fan…I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me because I’m paranoid though. I can always just stay in here.”
The same walls. The same perches. Even if it was nice, it’d drive anyone insane to see the same over and over again.
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh nonsense. I can happily do it! Besides, I like showing people around.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Giving tours might as well be a hobby of theirs. At this point, I think it is."
@ant-fella
“Really? Why do you like it so much?”
She perked up once more.
@waylay-managment-2
“I like showing off my handiwork! And, I also like showing off my wonderful children, and The Waylay is one of them.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Oh! Speaking of, Jackson said to me that Wil would be happy to help plan our wedding. Even if we're only focusing on food and music, I'm sure it'd love to contribute."
@ant-fella
She smiled, “I’d love to meet Wil as well. We could talk over a late night snack while Vic plays in the lobby. It’s just a thought.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That reminds me that I've yet to meet Wil. I've yet to meet a lot of your children, actually. I'd say that adopting children is also a hobby of yours, and it's technically true, but it sounds so strange."
@ant-fella
“Oh god, I was a bit of the same way back with the entity,” she scoffed. “I’ve always had a sweet spot for kids.”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s easy to do when they’re here. Most of them show up without a parent. What else am I supposed to do other than give them one?”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Fair enough. That reminds me, actually, and I apologize for killing the mood, but I might as well talk about it now, since I haven't had a good opportunity to yet."
*She considered her words carefully for a while, looking between Manny and Glory.*
"What does the name 'Invicta' mean to either of you?"
@ant-fella
Glory stiffened and eyes were practically pin points.
“Why?”
Pure an utter terror dripped from her tone. It was something primal that she couldn’t pin down.
“Evelyn, where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes never faltered from her but they did glaze over, heart beat pounding as a video replayed in her mind.
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Glory.*
“It just means invincible in Latin. Glory, what’s wrong?”
*Evelyn sighed, smile strained.*
"A child showed up at home a few days before I met you, Glory. A bat child. I helped it clean up because it was dirty. A few nights later, I caught a man as he was hunting it. He was the one that said the name, and then I killed him."
@ant-fella
She was completely frozen and eyes flickering over to the door. No, she couldn’t break through it. She’s tried that before.
Trapped. She couldn’t leave here. She couldn’t do anything.
Glory’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she took a step back, nearly stumbling. She picked at her cuticles and shook her head.
“Get away from that kid Evelyn.”
It was practically a growl.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. Explain.”
"I already have gotten away from it."
@ant-fella
“Manny, I don’t know how much I can say.”
She glanced to the door.
“Leave. Please, I’m not trying to be rude but I need you to leave.”
She was shaking. There was no way for her to escape but there was still ways to avoid.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. I’ve never met this kid. If you say they’re bad, they’re bad. I trust you.”
"...Alright. I'm sorry. I should see if Naga is ready to cut her head off, anyway. See what the children are up to."
*Evelyn kissed Manny goodbye and stood up, face neutral and pulling at a chunk of her hair as she left the enclosure.*
@ant-fella
She was hit with a wave of guilt at Evelyn’s clear distress. Glory crossed her arms and glanced away. She was disgusting.
“I’m sorry..”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s okay. I get it. Just… what can you tell me safely?”
Glory sat down and placed her hands into her lap. She glanced up at Manny before shuffling closer. Making herself not so skittish was still on her mind even as she felt like she was about to pass out.
“I…I don’t know why I remembered that name so vividly. My body just reacted. Invicta is…someone I don’t know if I actually know. The kid I know…well,” she explained it like poison on her tongue.
“Did the kid hurt you in some way?”
Her stare was far away from here as she tensed. Glory held her tongue, balling her knees up to her chest. She just stared at the grass like the most interesting thing in the world.
“Is the kid related to the entity?”
She shrugged. Glory was completely out of it and that response was more of needing to give one than hearing anything. She was trembling, nails digging into her tights hard enough to begin causing holes.
*they gently pulled her into a hug.*
She flinched at first, the shaking only increasing until she could reason with herself they wouldn’t hurt her. She was safe. Their arms could be a safe haven. She just needed to learn how to not freak out when staring down safety.
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt anymore,” she whimpered. “I’m tired of it..”
“I won’t let people get hurt.”
She laughed but it wasn’t funny, “Manny, more and more people will get hurt. You can’t fix everything it’s done and will do. I live knowing all I can do is manage the damages. I’m so sorry.”
Glory squeezed them in the hug, trying to get closer. She just needed to know she had someone. She couldn’t be alone.
*they squeezed her tighter.*
“Doesn’t mean I can’t try.”
She looked them in the eye, unwavering, “You’re going to die, please.”
“Glory. When I say no one will get hurt, I include myself. I can’t save people if I’m dead.”
She hummed and decided to leave the topic. She was satisfied.
“I just…I felt like that word send a bullet through my chest. I can’t explain it…”
Glory traced designs on their back, ranging from a cat to random swiggly lines.
Glory chuckled, “Holy shit, I see what Naga means by you two sounding insane sometimes. I mean, I get it, you’re not human but geez. No judgement but people typically don’t say that in front of a third wheel.”
She began on the second braid.
“We refuse to be silenced by friendship.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"We don't have any sort of filter. It's also a good reason why we're not having a public wedding. If you think this is bad, imagine what we'd say for our vows."
@ant-fella
“No, because now I’m curious what your vows theoretically would be. Give me your best.”
@waylay-managment-2
*they took Evelyn’s hands.*
“I swear I will do anything for you. I would kill for you. Die for you. I would live for you through the worst pain in the world. As long as I get to see your face again.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*She took a deep breath to prepare for a big speech, then paused.*
"How lucky am I?"
@ant-fella
“Awww, that’s actually really sweet. I think that’d be socially appropriate at a wedding but I may not be the best gauge of that.”
A memory came to mind. One with Evelyn she nearly forgot. The way she glanced at Evelyn when she asked was with a moment of hesitation before she brushed it off.
“Yeah, you’re lucky.”
@waylay-managment-2
“You can’t ask how lucky you are in your vows, people won’t answer.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Have you ever heard of something called a 'rhetorical question'?"
*Evelyn flicked their forehead. She looked back at Glory, silently asking if she was okay.*
@ant-fella
She didn’t respond, just working on the final braid. It would likely have to be a conversation brought up later. Glory didn’t want to ruin the mood whatsoever.
“Hey, I’ll answer so long as I’m there! Give me a script and I’ll answer any question.”
@waylay-managment-2
“I’lo proof read your best woman speech.”
"I fear this conversation is making you want to plan a wedding, love. That's not to say I'm annoyed by it, but I do like our original plan better."
@ant-fella
She perked up with a giant goofy grin, “You’d let me be your best woman?”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course I would! And Evelyn, yes, I’d love to plan a wedding. And then we both never show up and elope at a courthouse with Glory as a witness and then we run away together to the Antarctic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Our wedding night, on the same day as the fake one, consisting of dressing up nice and eating dinner in my room, on the floor, with no one else but each other. Very romantic."
@ant-fella
“I’d HAPPILY be your witness. I’d have my best woman speech planned and everything so you can have that ounce of an experience. I also just want to write one to be honest. I think it’d be sweet,” she tied off the last braid with a smile.
“That sounds amazing.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well, you can absolutely write one.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"...Would people be upset if we invited them to a wedding we never show up to? No one really knows who I am, but I don't want them to not like me."
@ant-fella
“Nah, just tell them to go along with it. Warn them beforehand and bring good food and alcohol. Most people really look forward to that stuff.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Also, a lot of people know you. I tell them how amazing you are.”
"They don't know me personally, though. I could be different from their expectations. But I'm not sure. It could be fun to mess with everyone."
@ant-fella
“You’re pretty likable, I’ll tell you that. Besides, if they can’t take a joke when they’re explicitly warned this is what you’re doing, that’s on them. It’s your wedding day. That day is for you.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Exactly. Plus they still get to have a party.”
"Mmm. Alright. I'm not going to be the one to invite anyone, though. I don't know anyone well enough for that."
@ant-fella
“You know me!” She chirped. “You better invite me.”
Glory finished the braids completely and it was a complete display of rainbow floral all carefully braided into their hair. It stood out nicely against their pristine white suit.
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course we will.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That was a given. I can't decide, though, if planning a wedding we won't attend will end up being more or less stressful than if we were to be there."
@ant-fella
“Just plan some food and music mainly,” she shrugged. “That seems like the most important parts to me. I always loved the music to most.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well we have to get Vic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*Evelyn raised an eyebrow, smile teasing.*
"So you won't hear him perform?"
@ant-fella
“Who is Vic?”
@waylay-managment-2
“My favorite musician of all time who preforms from 9-10 every night because it’s my restaurant and I can do what I want.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"You should really take that approach to more things in life."
*Evelyn has decided to keep her opinions to herself.*
@ant-fella
She hesitated but smiled slightly when asking, “can I listen to them..? Watch them perform, I mean. I remember seeing the lobby and it was always so active and I feel like it’d be amazing.”
…but didn’t she say never to let her out?
@waylay-managment-2
“I can probably get you a portable cell so you could see out. Like a cat carrier. You’d have to be in bird form though.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Perhaps it could use magic to let you see everything, but only let people see you if you want them to. Make it bigger and more comfortable on the inside than it looks on the outside.."
*She started to hum as she thought out the possibilities.*
@ant-fella
Cage. That would be like a cramped cage…but she couldn’t complain about a gift. She couldn’t complain even if she imagined when she couldn’t even open her wings an inch.
She shook her head free of her spiral.
“That’d be really nice. We could go listen and maybe get a drink? I don’t mind people seeing me but could you make the inside feel bigger maybe…? Not to be needy of course! Im okay with whichever you give me!”
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh, absolutely! I wouldn’t want you to feel claustrophobic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That'd be basic decency on our part. It also brings up a question: if we're not there, as originally planned, who'll be there to carry you, dear Glory?"
@ant-fella
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, pupils dilated before she glanced back down. Wrong. No. Bad. Can’t.
“I uh…I don’t know. I think you two are the only ones I feel comfortable with in case shit hits the fan…I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me because I’m paranoid though. I can always just stay in here.”
The same walls. The same perches. Even if it was nice, it’d drive anyone insane to see the same over and over again.
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh nonsense. I can happily do it! Besides, I like showing people around.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Giving tours might as well be a hobby of theirs. At this point, I think it is."
@ant-fella
“Really? Why do you like it so much?”
She perked up once more.
@waylay-managment-2
“I like showing off my handiwork! And, I also like showing off my wonderful children, and The Waylay is one of them.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Oh! Speaking of, Jackson said to me that Wil would be happy to help plan our wedding. Even if we're only focusing on food and music, I'm sure it'd love to contribute."
@ant-fella
She smiled, “I’d love to meet Wil as well. We could talk over a late night snack while Vic plays in the lobby. It’s just a thought.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That reminds me that I've yet to meet Wil. I've yet to meet a lot of your children, actually. I'd say that adopting children is also a hobby of yours, and it's technically true, but it sounds so strange."
@ant-fella
“Oh god, I was a bit of the same way back with the entity,” she scoffed. “I’ve always had a sweet spot for kids.”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s easy to do when they’re here. Most of them show up without a parent. What else am I supposed to do other than give them one?”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Fair enough. That reminds me, actually, and I apologize for killing the mood, but I might as well talk about it now, since I haven't had a good opportunity to yet."
*She considered her words carefully for a while, looking between Manny and Glory.*
"What does the name 'Invicta' mean to either of you?"
@ant-fella
Glory stiffened and eyes were practically pin points.
“Why?”
Pure an utter terror dripped from her tone. It was something primal that she couldn’t pin down.
“Evelyn, where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes never faltered from her but they did glaze over, heart beat pounding as a video replayed in her mind.
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Glory.*
“It just means invincible in Latin. Glory, what’s wrong?”
*Evelyn sighed, smile strained.*
"A child showed up at home a few days before I met you, Glory. A bat child. I helped it clean up because it was dirty. A few nights later, I caught a man as he was hunting it. He was the one that said the name, and then I killed him."
@ant-fella
She was completely frozen and eyes flickering over to the door. No, she couldn’t break through it. She’s tried that before.
Trapped. She couldn’t leave here. She couldn’t do anything.
Glory’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she took a step back, nearly stumbling. She picked at her cuticles and shook her head.
“Get away from that kid Evelyn.”
It was practically a growl.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. Explain.”
"I already have gotten away from it."
@ant-fella
“Manny, I don’t know how much I can say.”
She glanced to the door.
“Leave. Please, I’m not trying to be rude but I need you to leave.”
She was shaking. There was no way for her to escape but there was still ways to avoid.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. I’ve never met this kid. If you say they’re bad, they’re bad. I trust you.”
"...Alright. I'm sorry. I should see if Naga is ready to cut her head off, anyway. See what the children are up to."
*Evelyn kissed Manny goodbye and stood up, face neutral and pulling at a chunk of her hair as she left the enclosure.*
@ant-fella
She was hit with a wave of guilt at Evelyn’s clear distress. Glory crossed her arms and glanced away. She was disgusting.
“I’m sorry..”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s okay. I get it. Just… what can you tell me safely?”
Glory sat down and placed her hands into her lap. She glanced up at Manny before shuffling closer. Making herself not so skittish was still on her mind even as she felt like she was about to pass out.
“I…I don’t know why I remembered that name so vividly. My body just reacted. Invicta is…someone I don’t know if I actually know. The kid I know…well,” she explained it like poison on her tongue.
“Did the kid hurt you in some way?”
Her stare was far away from here as she tensed. Glory held her tongue, balling her knees up to her chest. She just stared at the grass like the most interesting thing in the world.
“Is the kid related to the entity?”
She shrugged. Glory was completely out of it and that response was more of needing to give one than hearing anything. She was trembling, nails digging into her tights hard enough to begin causing holes.
*they gently pulled her into a hug.*
She flinched at first, the shaking only increasing until she could reason with herself they wouldn’t hurt her. She was safe. Their arms could be a safe haven. She just needed to learn how to not freak out when staring down safety.
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt anymore,” she whimpered. “I’m tired of it..”
“I won’t let people get hurt.”
She laughed but it wasn’t funny, “Manny, more and more people will get hurt. You can’t fix everything it’s done and will do. I live knowing all I can do is manage the damages. I’m so sorry.”
Glory squeezed them in the hug, trying to get closer. She just needed to know she had someone. She couldn’t be alone.
*they squeezed her tighter.*
“Doesn’t mean I can’t try.”
She looked them in the eye, unwavering, “You’re going to die, please.”
Glory chuckled, “Holy shit, I see what Naga means by you two sounding insane sometimes. I mean, I get it, you’re not human but geez. No judgement but people typically don’t say that in front of a third wheel.”
She began on the second braid.
“We refuse to be silenced by friendship.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"We don't have any sort of filter. It's also a good reason why we're not having a public wedding. If you think this is bad, imagine what we'd say for our vows."
@ant-fella
“No, because now I’m curious what your vows theoretically would be. Give me your best.”
@waylay-managment-2
*they took Evelyn’s hands.*
“I swear I will do anything for you. I would kill for you. Die for you. I would live for you through the worst pain in the world. As long as I get to see your face again.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*She took a deep breath to prepare for a big speech, then paused.*
"How lucky am I?"
@ant-fella
“Awww, that’s actually really sweet. I think that’d be socially appropriate at a wedding but I may not be the best gauge of that.”
A memory came to mind. One with Evelyn she nearly forgot. The way she glanced at Evelyn when she asked was with a moment of hesitation before she brushed it off.
“Yeah, you’re lucky.”
@waylay-managment-2
“You can’t ask how lucky you are in your vows, people won’t answer.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Have you ever heard of something called a 'rhetorical question'?"
*Evelyn flicked their forehead. She looked back at Glory, silently asking if she was okay.*
@ant-fella
She didn’t respond, just working on the final braid. It would likely have to be a conversation brought up later. Glory didn’t want to ruin the mood whatsoever.
“Hey, I’ll answer so long as I’m there! Give me a script and I’ll answer any question.”
@waylay-managment-2
“I’lo proof read your best woman speech.”
"I fear this conversation is making you want to plan a wedding, love. That's not to say I'm annoyed by it, but I do like our original plan better."
@ant-fella
She perked up with a giant goofy grin, “You’d let me be your best woman?”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course I would! And Evelyn, yes, I’d love to plan a wedding. And then we both never show up and elope at a courthouse with Glory as a witness and then we run away together to the Antarctic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Our wedding night, on the same day as the fake one, consisting of dressing up nice and eating dinner in my room, on the floor, with no one else but each other. Very romantic."
@ant-fella
“I’d HAPPILY be your witness. I’d have my best woman speech planned and everything so you can have that ounce of an experience. I also just want to write one to be honest. I think it’d be sweet,” she tied off the last braid with a smile.
“That sounds amazing.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well, you can absolutely write one.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"...Would people be upset if we invited them to a wedding we never show up to? No one really knows who I am, but I don't want them to not like me."
@ant-fella
“Nah, just tell them to go along with it. Warn them beforehand and bring good food and alcohol. Most people really look forward to that stuff.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Also, a lot of people know you. I tell them how amazing you are.”
"They don't know me personally, though. I could be different from their expectations. But I'm not sure. It could be fun to mess with everyone."
@ant-fella
“You’re pretty likable, I’ll tell you that. Besides, if they can’t take a joke when they’re explicitly warned this is what you’re doing, that’s on them. It’s your wedding day. That day is for you.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Exactly. Plus they still get to have a party.”
"Mmm. Alright. I'm not going to be the one to invite anyone, though. I don't know anyone well enough for that."
@ant-fella
“You know me!” She chirped. “You better invite me.”
Glory finished the braids completely and it was a complete display of rainbow floral all carefully braided into their hair. It stood out nicely against their pristine white suit.
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course we will.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That was a given. I can't decide, though, if planning a wedding we won't attend will end up being more or less stressful than if we were to be there."
@ant-fella
“Just plan some food and music mainly,” she shrugged. “That seems like the most important parts to me. I always loved the music to most.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well we have to get Vic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*Evelyn raised an eyebrow, smile teasing.*
"So you won't hear him perform?"
@ant-fella
“Who is Vic?”
@waylay-managment-2
“My favorite musician of all time who preforms from 9-10 every night because it’s my restaurant and I can do what I want.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"You should really take that approach to more things in life."
*Evelyn has decided to keep her opinions to herself.*
@ant-fella
She hesitated but smiled slightly when asking, “can I listen to them..? Watch them perform, I mean. I remember seeing the lobby and it was always so active and I feel like it’d be amazing.”
…but didn’t she say never to let her out?
@waylay-managment-2
“I can probably get you a portable cell so you could see out. Like a cat carrier. You’d have to be in bird form though.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Perhaps it could use magic to let you see everything, but only let people see you if you want them to. Make it bigger and more comfortable on the inside than it looks on the outside.."
*She started to hum as she thought out the possibilities.*
@ant-fella
Cage. That would be like a cramped cage…but she couldn’t complain about a gift. She couldn’t complain even if she imagined when she couldn’t even open her wings an inch.
She shook her head free of her spiral.
“That’d be really nice. We could go listen and maybe get a drink? I don’t mind people seeing me but could you make the inside feel bigger maybe…? Not to be needy of course! Im okay with whichever you give me!”
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh, absolutely! I wouldn’t want you to feel claustrophobic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That'd be basic decency on our part. It also brings up a question: if we're not there, as originally planned, who'll be there to carry you, dear Glory?"
@ant-fella
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, pupils dilated before she glanced back down. Wrong. No. Bad. Can’t.
“I uh…I don’t know. I think you two are the only ones I feel comfortable with in case shit hits the fan…I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me because I’m paranoid though. I can always just stay in here.”
The same walls. The same perches. Even if it was nice, it’d drive anyone insane to see the same over and over again.
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh nonsense. I can happily do it! Besides, I like showing people around.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Giving tours might as well be a hobby of theirs. At this point, I think it is."
@ant-fella
“Really? Why do you like it so much?”
She perked up once more.
@waylay-managment-2
“I like showing off my handiwork! And, I also like showing off my wonderful children, and The Waylay is one of them.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Oh! Speaking of, Jackson said to me that Wil would be happy to help plan our wedding. Even if we're only focusing on food and music, I'm sure it'd love to contribute."
@ant-fella
She smiled, “I’d love to meet Wil as well. We could talk over a late night snack while Vic plays in the lobby. It’s just a thought.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That reminds me that I've yet to meet Wil. I've yet to meet a lot of your children, actually. I'd say that adopting children is also a hobby of yours, and it's technically true, but it sounds so strange."
@ant-fella
“Oh god, I was a bit of the same way back with the entity,” she scoffed. “I’ve always had a sweet spot for kids.”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s easy to do when they’re here. Most of them show up without a parent. What else am I supposed to do other than give them one?”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Fair enough. That reminds me, actually, and I apologize for killing the mood, but I might as well talk about it now, since I haven't had a good opportunity to yet."
*She considered her words carefully for a while, looking between Manny and Glory.*
"What does the name 'Invicta' mean to either of you?"
@ant-fella
Glory stiffened and eyes were practically pin points.
“Why?”
Pure an utter terror dripped from her tone. It was something primal that she couldn’t pin down.
“Evelyn, where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes never faltered from her but they did glaze over, heart beat pounding as a video replayed in her mind.
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Glory.*
“It just means invincible in Latin. Glory, what’s wrong?”
*Evelyn sighed, smile strained.*
"A child showed up at home a few days before I met you, Glory. A bat child. I helped it clean up because it was dirty. A few nights later, I caught a man as he was hunting it. He was the one that said the name, and then I killed him."
@ant-fella
She was completely frozen and eyes flickering over to the door. No, she couldn’t break through it. She’s tried that before.
Trapped. She couldn’t leave here. She couldn’t do anything.
Glory’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she took a step back, nearly stumbling. She picked at her cuticles and shook her head.
“Get away from that kid Evelyn.”
It was practically a growl.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. Explain.”
"I already have gotten away from it."
@ant-fella
“Manny, I don’t know how much I can say.”
She glanced to the door.
“Leave. Please, I’m not trying to be rude but I need you to leave.”
She was shaking. There was no way for her to escape but there was still ways to avoid.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. I’ve never met this kid. If you say they’re bad, they’re bad. I trust you.”
"...Alright. I'm sorry. I should see if Naga is ready to cut her head off, anyway. See what the children are up to."
*Evelyn kissed Manny goodbye and stood up, face neutral and pulling at a chunk of her hair as she left the enclosure.*
@ant-fella
She was hit with a wave of guilt at Evelyn’s clear distress. Glory crossed her arms and glanced away. She was disgusting.
“I’m sorry..”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s okay. I get it. Just… what can you tell me safely?”
Glory sat down and placed her hands into her lap. She glanced up at Manny before shuffling closer. Making herself not so skittish was still on her mind even as she felt like she was about to pass out.
“I…I don’t know why I remembered that name so vividly. My body just reacted. Invicta is…someone I don’t know if I actually know. The kid I know…well,” she explained it like poison on her tongue.
“Did the kid hurt you in some way?”
Her stare was far away from here as she tensed. Glory held her tongue, balling her knees up to her chest. She just stared at the grass like the most interesting thing in the world.
“Is the kid related to the entity?”
She shrugged. Glory was completely out of it and that response was more of needing to give one than hearing anything. She was trembling, nails digging into her tights hard enough to begin causing holes.
*they gently pulled her into a hug.*
She flinched at first, the shaking only increasing until she could reason with herself they wouldn’t hurt her. She was safe. Their arms could be a safe haven. She just needed to learn how to not freak out when staring down safety.
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt anymore,” she whimpered. “I’m tired of it..”
“I won’t let people get hurt.”
She laughed but it wasn’t funny, “Manny, more and more people will get hurt. You can’t fix everything it’s done and will do. I live knowing all I can do is manage the damages. I’m so sorry.”
Glory squeezed them in the hug, trying to get closer. She just needed to know she had someone. She couldn’t be alone.
Anthony looked more like a corpse than a person. His eyes were exhausted and hardly glancing at anything as he strolled into the lobby. He had the stench of BO and his locs looked like they needed a retwist about a week ago. Anthony was already in a smaller frame but he had lost some weight, jeans hanging much looser on their hips.
An ant was on their shoulder, whispering something in English. They sounded vaguely encouraging as he plopped down at a table, eyes glazed over and distant
-🐜 ( @ant-fella )
*He needs help*
*But the ants*
*But he needs help*
*But my leg*
*But Anthony needs help.*
*I crouch down next to him, so he doesn't have to move his head to see me. Please don't recognize me* "...Anthony?"
Anthony hardly reacted. He was making eye contact but the only acknowledgement was the slight eyebrow raise of confusion. From expression alone, they didn’t seem to recognize Jackson.
The ant waved one of its tiny arms and didn’t seem to recognize him either, smiling politely. Helm didn’t know how he knew Anthony but it was glad that they had another friend!
Anthony? What's going on? What got ya into this state?
He began tearing up, eyes instantly going down. Anthony knew that going out of his room was an awful idea. He was just being dumb.
Helm shuffled side to side, clearly not doing too well itself but trying to hold it together. When it spoke, it was unlike any of the squeaking. No, it was perfect English.
“The rest of the colony died…exploded. I was the only one left…”
It had to be his voice no matter how much it wanted to cry. It just wanted to lay down and die with the rest of them. It didn’t deserve to survive.
*Some deep, sick, destructive part of me is glad that ants died. The things that tortured my father, stole my leg, and left long scars down my torso. But... never at the expense of Anthony* Jesus fuck.
“Mhm…”
He was sobbing. Fully sobbing. His eyes were far away from this lobby. He was reliving every memory he had left of them from the worst to the best. Every bit meant so much knowing he would never get it back.
The ant crawled off his shoulder and grabbed a napkin, nudging it to Anthony. He didn’t even response to the stimuli. He was too far gone.
*I pull him into my arms on the bar floor, rocking back and forth gently* Take your time, kiddo.
He clings on for dear life, words impossible but weeps coming easy. No matter how many tears were spilled, none were enough to clear the weight surrounding him or the pit in his stomach. The only thing he thought could do that was a Time Machine, not crying into a stranger’s arms.
Helm followed and crawled onto Jackson’s shoulder, still holding the napkin. The kid’s voice was hesitant and barely above a whisper.
“Who are you..?”
*The all encompassing grief. It's something I know far too well. The years I spent just drifting, doing my "job" and nothing more, no aim or goal or home. I barely remember them.*
I'm Jackson. One of the Managers kids. *The one who started all of this.* And you?
He just wanted them back. That was all. That’s all that could fix this. Anthony just lost his entire family, those who stuck by his side no matter what, and he felt like death. He should’ve gone with them.
“Im Helm and you already know this is Anthony. Uhm…how do you know each other?” Because Anthony didn’t seem to know him.
Helm tensed. One of The Manager’s kids. The who was responsible for the slaughter of his kind.
...We met when Anthony first got here, but not for very long, it makes sense he doesn't remember me.
*I don't have reassuring words for Anthony. There were none that could have been offered when the only family I had for 10 years was buried in the red clay. There are none that can do anything now.*
“I just want them back,” he muttered between hics and sobs.
Helm skittered back over to Anthony’s shoulder to try and support it. The kid was struggling with this itself, mini face contorted, but it had to push on. It couldn’t allow itself to fall behind. It had to help.
“I know..we both do, it’s okay.”
I know. There isn't a day that passes where I don't miss him. *My hands may be covered, but I can still feel the echo of his grief in my own emotions.*
Anthony glanced up, questioning his choice of words silently. Helm did the same with a tilted head as he finally got Anthony to take the napkin and wipe his nose.
It's... nothing. Sorry.
Anthony let it go, too intertwined in his own mind to do much else. Helm chose to push a tad.
“Am I allowed to ask what you mean?”
This ant seemed very different than the ones who chose to aid in cutting off his leg.
*It's... so small. And clearly alone in whatever has happened. Anthony was once teeming with life.*
My... father. He passed when I was a teenager and he was all I had. All I want is one more day with him. Just the second to say "I love you" one last time.
“I’m so sorry for your loss…”
Anthony cried more at that. That was lol he wanted. At the very least, he wanted one last day before they could pass peacefully. One more day to spend with them and say all the words left unspoken.
...I can't say it gets easier. It doesn't. There are days where I can't see anything good in the world without him. But I keep living. Because that's what he'd want me to do.
It's what they need you to do.
TW SUICIDAL IDEATION
“I just want to join them…” he buried his head into Jackson’s shoulder.
Anthony felt frail, both physically and emotionally. One thing falling out of place in his life would devastate him beyond belief.
Helm glanced away. It did too. It shouldn’t have survived. What made it special?
...me too.
“Huh..?”
He felt so alone in this like no one would connect. Anthony thought he couldn’t fine anyone who would even understand.
Only thing that kept me alive was the animals I had started collecting. If I died, no one 'ld care for em.
That was all I had, and even then, there were days that while fighting I thought I'd die... and I couldn't bring myself to care. Even now... I'd be lying if I said I cared too much about dying.
If I die, I'll end up here.
“I don’t know where their souls ended up. I hope somewhere peaceful. When I die, I don’t know if I want to go here. I think I’d just want to fade away and at best, finally find my home. Find the people that are like me. Find my parents.”
“I don’t think either of care about dying at this point.”
It'd be nice to fade like that. Just... dissolve into nothing. No worries. none of the heaviness.
But I have siblings now. and a squirrel. and a coyote. and a horse. that ain't even counting the people older than me. Lotta people would be plenty mad if I tried to move on so soon. And you've got yer little rider with you. Both of you need to survive, even if it's hell.
“Or we just die together…”
He grumbled. That would be easy. They both fade into nothing before any of the eggs in his blood can hatch.
Helm hesitated then…nodded in agreement. That would be nice…
Nope. Not an option. you made friends here with some people I really care about, and you dying'll hurt them. I don't let people hurt my family.
His voice cracked, “Is it wrong to say I don’t care?”
He normally did. He cared about making everyone happy and caring for them. Anthony loved basically everyone, or at least tried to but now, that was gone. It felt selfish but he just wanted to choose himself.
No. Means you got boundaries. I wish I could stop caring, let people sort out their own shit. But if I did, then I wouldn't be sitting here.
“I don’t want to be sitting here. Not one bit of me wants to be but I’m trying,” he clung to him tighter.
“I’m trying so hard but I can’t..I can’t do this anymore. I’m just tired.”
Not a tired from a lack of sleep. Emotionally exhausted. Tired of everything to the very concept of living.
You ever held a squirrel before?
He blinked, “…no?”
Helm perked up.
*I lift my hat, pulling JJ out from underneath while he blinks. He was having a nap* I gotta point to this. Meet JJ, Jessie James.
Anthony smiled slightly and reached out his hands to take JJ. Helm skittered lower down his arm to investigate.
*JJ is more than used to being handled at this point, he lives for the attention. He chitters softly while looking up at Anthony* You can pet him.
Anthony nodded and gently pet his head. His nails tenderly ran along his fur as a smile tugged at his cheeks.
“You’re just a cutie pie, aren’t you?”
Helm chose to come closer, crawling onto the hand Anthony was using to pet him. It glanced up at Jackson, hesitant.
“Am I allowed to crawl inside..?”
*That nightmare. The reality I almost lived myself. The ants pouring out of every orfice...*
I uh... Don't think he'd much like that. Sorry.
“I just want to be able to explore. It won’t hurt at all.”
Anthony just hummed in agreement.
“It’s not that scary. I’ll be careful.”
“Done under the right control, it really doesn’t feel like much.”
I- I'm sure you are... B-but I can't
I just can't.
He's my best friend.
Helm squeaked, concerned about the change in volume instantly. They skittered onto Jackson’s hand and placed a tiny, apologetic kiss onto his skin. He could partially feel the needle-like teeth brushing against him on accident, offering less comfort than what was originally intended.
“Sorry, sorry, I promise I won’t! JJ just seems really nice and I was curious. Im younger so I haven’t really explored many body systems yet.”
*I can almost feel the phantom pain of the bites I took forever to let heal. Almost.*
"I- Please, I know you aren't trying to hurt... but someone else is. Someone wants to, so bad. And I'm so scared they'll use you to do it. Please."
“I..don’t understand..?”
It was genuine confusion. Anthony shared the same expression, pausing his petting to glance at Jackson.
Good. You shouldn't have to.
“No, no, I need to know.”
The kid’s voice was a tad frantic, eyes squinted as if trying to fill in a major gap of the puzzle in his mind. Anthony didn’t have the energy to properly argue but he nodded.
You'll hate me. Both of you. With good reason.
And I'm scared your god will hurt you for knowing.
“No, we won’t! I pinky promise,” it stared at its legs.
It didn’t have a pinky.
“I promise!” It corrected.
The next voice was one of pure confusion and borderline terror, “Jackson, we don’t have a god.”
Anthony... your ant's are not ants. what do you think they are?
Helm, do you know what you are a part of?
*This could kill them both. What if the Entity targets them just for this little bit of information. I know how unfeeling it is for Anthony's body, treating it as a disposable breeding ground.*
“I know they’re not ants but we both have no clue what they are. It’s like how I also don’t know my species. I’m just me,” his fear didn’t settle in his tone.
“I’m apart of the colony..?”
The Entity, the ants... and you... are all the same. Different parts of a whole. The Entity itself... it wanted to take my body as penance. It has tortured my father, tormented my little sibling, and taken my leg. It will not be happy until I am dead because of what I've done.
“No…I’m..I’m my own person,” his voice was barely a whisper.
All at once, his hands didn’t feel like his own. He may be petting JJ but that wasn’t him. It was like watching a movie and his limbs felt off. Too large? Too small of hands? His mind was blending it all together.
Helm had to hold it together. It had no choice.
“What did you do..?”
This wasn’t real.
You are. I never said you arent. I am of Yog Sothoth, but I am me.
I shouldn't have told you. I shouldnt have... jesus I'm sorry. *the only thing stopping me from forcing my head between my legs is Helm*
*I cant answer them*
Anthony’s reaction was more forceful than anything he’s done so far. It was still minimal at best, like seeing a tiny dog bark at you and you know it can’t really do anything.
“You’re fine!” But he was still kind. “Just..tell me. I need to know.”
He placed JJ closer to Jackson, hoping to offer some form of comfort and familiarity.
I SHOT YOU!
*I feel like I've been hunted down and skinned for everything I held inside.*
*It all feels so much worse now. Even more than in the desert, on my knees tell the Entity to take my life. It's all so heavy.*
He blinked and then scanned over his body once. No new scars or marks he couldn’t remember.
“…No…you didn’t?”
Helm’s face was similar, if not the same as it tried to recall anything similar to that. Nope, nothing.
No, no.. you don't remember. That's the point. I cant tell who it's supposed to torture the most, but it doesn't want you to remember. But ask my father, ask Daisy! I ran to her for help after I realized you were a real person, not an inhabited corpse.
“Why wouldn’t I remember any of this?”
This wasn’t real at all. No, he had to be dreaming. Everything since their death was all just an elaborate hallucination, maybe?
“Anthony, breathe…”
He hadn’t even realized how he was beginning to hyperventilate, heart pounding as his body sent adrenaline coursing. Helm was shaking as well but Anthony only have it left. It couldn’t freak out even as it wanted to curl up.
“I don’t have a god. I never have had a god. I didn’t get shot and I don’t know what you’re talking about. Why wouldn’t I remember?”
Tears were brimming once more.
I'd reckon it's for this very moment. A sick, twisted, waiting game. The pay off being this very moment.
His hands went from JJ to their nails, picking at the cuticles with little care for if he may bleed from it. Helm crawled over and tried to get him to stop to no avail.
“I don’t get it,” he shook, lump in his throat from trying not to entirely break down.
“This makes no sense and I did nothing wrong. I just want it to all stop. I’m so tired.”
*JJ retreats to me, unsure on what to do anymore either. My only thought is to pull one wrist away from the other*
That's why it wants me dead. You did nothing wrong. I shot you, an innocent man, out of fear. It's why I would have let it kill me. It's why I lost my leg. Because I tried to kill you instead of save you.
Because I am a monster.
He allows himself to be led like a ragdoll. There was no use in fighting.
“But why me? Why would you want to hurt anyone in general rather than move on with forgiveness? I don’t get it.”
Helm kissed his hand, trying to give some reassurance.
“You’re not a monster at all. You made a mistake. That happens!”
A mistake that would have killed you if you were more human! The ants and Daisy are the only reason your alive!
“Well, I made it out alive now so we dont have to worry about it,” he laughed but there was no humor in it.
“I just need to figure out what the fuck is going on with me…am I in danger?”
If I fucking knew, I'd tell ya!
Anthony looked on the verge of breaking down completely and that was Helm’s sign to step in.
“Tell us everything, please.”
Pure desperation.
I can't. I can't tell you everything. But I know someone who should be able to tell you what I don't know.
“Please.”
They were about to cry. Both of them.
*I pull Anthony out from under the table, letting him lean on me if needed, while I walk to my fathers office, knocking on the door*
"Dad?"
@waylay-managment-2
“Come in!”
*I lead Anthony in behind me. I know I must look grave to them, and with Anthony beside me this looks like a worst case scenario*
I... need your help answering questions.
@ant-fella
Anthony has had better days. He smelled of BO and looked like he hadn’t showered in a while. His clothes were wrinkly with all light from his eyes gone.
Both Helm and Anthony tensed upon seeing The Manager, the man that murdered The Colony. He even looked on the verge of sprinting out as he protectively held Helm in his hands.
“Them?”
That’s who he chose to help?
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Anthony and their mouth set in a line.*
“Jackson, I may not be the best person to come too. For Anthony’s sake.”
@twelve-starry-eyes
Dad I don't know who else to ask. He doesn't remember anything.
@ant-fella
“I don’t care if I like you.”
He commited one of the few crimes he can’t forgive.
“You know what happened. You tell me. We move on with our lives.”
@waylay-managment-2
“What do you want to know?”
What is the Entity. Why doesn't Anthony know it and him are connected? That the ants are part of it? Why did it take his memories of what I did to him? *I squeeze Anthony's hand. I know my father. I know that he won't hurt someone without reason and I wont let a reason become reality*
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked up at them both, their eyes were wet.*
“The entity is the thing that took Jackson’s leg, and if I explain more, I don’t know what it will do to you.”
Anthony squeezes his hand back, desperate for any form of comfort. His breath is shaky, trying desperately to stay calm.
“Tell me. I deserve to know.”
It also took Evelyns arm and horns. And it hurt my little sibling, Wil.
It sees you as... replaceable, Anthony. I showed me your corpse and used your voice over and over to try and break me.
@waylay-managment-2
“You deserve to know. And I will tell you as soon as I know it won’t kill you for knowing.”
“I don’t care if I die anymore. Tell. Me. It’s the last thing you can do after your slaughter.”
They’d join their friends and family after all.
It turned to Jackson, “Thank you for being an ounce of cooperative.”
@twelve-starry-eyes
I think we're all trying. Just also wanting to keep you alive.
*The pieces have already clicked for me.*
*my only question will be why.*
@waylay-managment-2
“They will kill you the moment I start talking.”
“Let them kill me. Let them bring me with my friends and family but if I’m going to die, let know die knowing what’s going on. Besides, there’s wards against them no, isn’t there?”
How..did he know that?
@twelve-starry-eyes
Anthony! You don't get it, when someone in the waylay dies, it hurts this entire pocket dimension and my little sibling. I'm not willing to trade your life when it's compleatly avoidable, especially when I don't want to see Wil hurt as well.
I don't want to think about the toll it would take on them.
*I still think of Yves*
As for the Wards... that isn't my business. That is The Managers business and no one elses, Anthony.
@waylay-managment-2
“The wards can’t stop them from killing you remotely.”
@ant-fella
“Not my business? So, it’s not my business to know what the fuck is happening TO ME? To know why I can’t remember most of my life and now I’m being told all of this stuff that I supposedly did that makes zero sense? Yeah, because that’s TOTALLY not my business,” he threw his hands up in exasperation.
“Take me out of here and into some place I won’t impact the waylay. I just need to know.”
He sounded furious but above all, it was desperation, grief, and distress. He didn’t want to hurt anyone. He was just terrified.
@twelve-starry-eyes
Anthony, I know you and Helm don't care about if you live or die... but I do.
Dad... is there any middle ground here?
@waylay-managment-2
“The middle ground is that Rosa is currently investigating the entity and I am as well, but if it impacts anyone again I’m going to brute force my way into making it stop, and after I do that I will happily explain everything.”
@ant-fella
He stiffened.
“Will anyone get hurt in the process of that?”
Helm blinked and they could practically see the light bulb ignite, “I could be a spy in the investigation!”
@twelve-starry-eyes
They ain't gonna hurt no one if they don't have to, Anthony.
@waylay-managment-2
“Correct. I only plan on making it scared enough of me to do what I say. I won’t even hurt the entity if I don’t have to.”
@ant-fella
He hummed in consideration. Helm shuffled around again. Did anyone hear it? It wanted to help!
“I could be a spy..?”
It repeated, less certain and more dejected.
@twelve-starry-eyes
Helm... wants to be a spy.
@waylay-managment-2
*The Manager smiled, unsure who this was.*
“As long as you promise not to get hurt, yes. You can be a spy.”
The ant cheered and did a tiny hop. Huh, so that was Helm. That actually could actually work well.
“I’ll be super helpful and careful. Just let me know what you need, boss,” a tiny arm saluted them.
Anthony couldn’t help but smile a tad. His stare was one of concern though. He didn’t want to lose another one.
@twelve-starry-eyes
Wanna stick with me while they do that? Meet a horse and Coyote?
@waylay-managment-2
“Trust me, you wanna meet Angie.”
@ant-fella
He didn’t have much interest in exploring anymore. Anthony just shrugged rather than the usual sparkle in his eyes at a new thing. It was what they wanted from him so sure.
“Alright just…Helm, stay safe, okay? Nothing risky whatsoever.”
He only has you left. Anthony seemed hesitant to even leave.
“Yes, sir!”
@twelve-starry-eyes
Glory chuckled, “Holy shit, I see what Naga means by you two sounding insane sometimes. I mean, I get it, you’re not human but geez. No judgement but people typically don’t say that in front of a third wheel.”
She began on the second braid.
“We refuse to be silenced by friendship.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"We don't have any sort of filter. It's also a good reason why we're not having a public wedding. If you think this is bad, imagine what we'd say for our vows."
@ant-fella
“No, because now I’m curious what your vows theoretically would be. Give me your best.”
@waylay-managment-2
*they took Evelyn’s hands.*
“I swear I will do anything for you. I would kill for you. Die for you. I would live for you through the worst pain in the world. As long as I get to see your face again.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*She took a deep breath to prepare for a big speech, then paused.*
"How lucky am I?"
@ant-fella
“Awww, that’s actually really sweet. I think that’d be socially appropriate at a wedding but I may not be the best gauge of that.”
A memory came to mind. One with Evelyn she nearly forgot. The way she glanced at Evelyn when she asked was with a moment of hesitation before she brushed it off.
“Yeah, you’re lucky.”
@waylay-managment-2
“You can’t ask how lucky you are in your vows, people won’t answer.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Have you ever heard of something called a 'rhetorical question'?"
*Evelyn flicked their forehead. She looked back at Glory, silently asking if she was okay.*
@ant-fella
She didn’t respond, just working on the final braid. It would likely have to be a conversation brought up later. Glory didn’t want to ruin the mood whatsoever.
“Hey, I’ll answer so long as I’m there! Give me a script and I’ll answer any question.”
@waylay-managment-2
“I’lo proof read your best woman speech.”
"I fear this conversation is making you want to plan a wedding, love. That's not to say I'm annoyed by it, but I do like our original plan better."
@ant-fella
She perked up with a giant goofy grin, “You’d let me be your best woman?”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course I would! And Evelyn, yes, I’d love to plan a wedding. And then we both never show up and elope at a courthouse with Glory as a witness and then we run away together to the Antarctic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Our wedding night, on the same day as the fake one, consisting of dressing up nice and eating dinner in my room, on the floor, with no one else but each other. Very romantic."
@ant-fella
“I’d HAPPILY be your witness. I’d have my best woman speech planned and everything so you can have that ounce of an experience. I also just want to write one to be honest. I think it’d be sweet,” she tied off the last braid with a smile.
“That sounds amazing.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well, you can absolutely write one.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"...Would people be upset if we invited them to a wedding we never show up to? No one really knows who I am, but I don't want them to not like me."
@ant-fella
“Nah, just tell them to go along with it. Warn them beforehand and bring good food and alcohol. Most people really look forward to that stuff.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Also, a lot of people know you. I tell them how amazing you are.”
"They don't know me personally, though. I could be different from their expectations. But I'm not sure. It could be fun to mess with everyone."
@ant-fella
“You’re pretty likable, I’ll tell you that. Besides, if they can’t take a joke when they’re explicitly warned this is what you’re doing, that’s on them. It’s your wedding day. That day is for you.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Exactly. Plus they still get to have a party.”
"Mmm. Alright. I'm not going to be the one to invite anyone, though. I don't know anyone well enough for that."
@ant-fella
“You know me!” She chirped. “You better invite me.”
Glory finished the braids completely and it was a complete display of rainbow floral all carefully braided into their hair. It stood out nicely against their pristine white suit.
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course we will.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That was a given. I can't decide, though, if planning a wedding we won't attend will end up being more or less stressful than if we were to be there."
@ant-fella
“Just plan some food and music mainly,” she shrugged. “That seems like the most important parts to me. I always loved the music to most.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well we have to get Vic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*Evelyn raised an eyebrow, smile teasing.*
"So you won't hear him perform?"
@ant-fella
“Who is Vic?”
@waylay-managment-2
“My favorite musician of all time who preforms from 9-10 every night because it’s my restaurant and I can do what I want.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"You should really take that approach to more things in life."
*Evelyn has decided to keep her opinions to herself.*
@ant-fella
She hesitated but smiled slightly when asking, “can I listen to them..? Watch them perform, I mean. I remember seeing the lobby and it was always so active and I feel like it’d be amazing.”
…but didn’t she say never to let her out?
@waylay-managment-2
“I can probably get you a portable cell so you could see out. Like a cat carrier. You’d have to be in bird form though.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Perhaps it could use magic to let you see everything, but only let people see you if you want them to. Make it bigger and more comfortable on the inside than it looks on the outside.."
*She started to hum as she thought out the possibilities.*
@ant-fella
Cage. That would be like a cramped cage…but she couldn’t complain about a gift. She couldn’t complain even if she imagined when she couldn’t even open her wings an inch.
She shook her head free of her spiral.
“That’d be really nice. We could go listen and maybe get a drink? I don’t mind people seeing me but could you make the inside feel bigger maybe…? Not to be needy of course! Im okay with whichever you give me!”
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh, absolutely! I wouldn’t want you to feel claustrophobic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That'd be basic decency on our part. It also brings up a question: if we're not there, as originally planned, who'll be there to carry you, dear Glory?"
@ant-fella
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, pupils dilated before she glanced back down. Wrong. No. Bad. Can’t.
“I uh…I don’t know. I think you two are the only ones I feel comfortable with in case shit hits the fan…I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me because I’m paranoid though. I can always just stay in here.”
The same walls. The same perches. Even if it was nice, it’d drive anyone insane to see the same over and over again.
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh nonsense. I can happily do it! Besides, I like showing people around.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Giving tours might as well be a hobby of theirs. At this point, I think it is."
@ant-fella
“Really? Why do you like it so much?”
She perked up once more.
@waylay-managment-2
“I like showing off my handiwork! And, I also like showing off my wonderful children, and The Waylay is one of them.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Oh! Speaking of, Jackson said to me that Wil would be happy to help plan our wedding. Even if we're only focusing on food and music, I'm sure it'd love to contribute."
@ant-fella
She smiled, “I’d love to meet Wil as well. We could talk over a late night snack while Vic plays in the lobby. It’s just a thought.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That reminds me that I've yet to meet Wil. I've yet to meet a lot of your children, actually. I'd say that adopting children is also a hobby of yours, and it's technically true, but it sounds so strange."
@ant-fella
“Oh god, I was a bit of the same way back with the entity,” she scoffed. “I’ve always had a sweet spot for kids.”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s easy to do when they’re here. Most of them show up without a parent. What else am I supposed to do other than give them one?”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Fair enough. That reminds me, actually, and I apologize for killing the mood, but I might as well talk about it now, since I haven't had a good opportunity to yet."
*She considered her words carefully for a while, looking between Manny and Glory.*
"What does the name 'Invicta' mean to either of you?"
@ant-fella
Glory stiffened and eyes were practically pin points.
“Why?”
Pure an utter terror dripped from her tone. It was something primal that she couldn’t pin down.
“Evelyn, where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes never faltered from her but they did glaze over, heart beat pounding as a video replayed in her mind.
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Glory.*
“It just means invincible in Latin. Glory, what’s wrong?”
*Evelyn sighed, smile strained.*
"A child showed up at home a few days before I met you, Glory. A bat child. I helped it clean up because it was dirty. A few nights later, I caught a man as he was hunting it. He was the one that said the name, and then I killed him."
@ant-fella
She was completely frozen and eyes flickering over to the door. No, she couldn’t break through it. She’s tried that before.
Trapped. She couldn’t leave here. She couldn’t do anything.
Glory’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she took a step back, nearly stumbling. She picked at her cuticles and shook her head.
“Get away from that kid Evelyn.”
It was practically a growl.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. Explain.”
"I already have gotten away from it."
@ant-fella
“Manny, I don’t know how much I can say.”
She glanced to the door.
“Leave. Please, I’m not trying to be rude but I need you to leave.”
She was shaking. There was no way for her to escape but there was still ways to avoid.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. I’ve never met this kid. If you say they’re bad, they’re bad. I trust you.”
"...Alright. I'm sorry. I should see if Naga is ready to cut her head off, anyway. See what the children are up to."
*Evelyn kissed Manny goodbye and stood up, face neutral and pulling at a chunk of her hair as she left the enclosure.*
@ant-fella
She was hit with a wave of guilt at Evelyn’s clear distress. Glory crossed her arms and glanced away. She was disgusting.
“I’m sorry..”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s okay. I get it. Just… what can you tell me safely?”
Glory sat down and placed her hands into her lap. She glanced up at Manny before shuffling closer. Making herself not so skittish was still on her mind even as she felt like she was about to pass out.
“I…I don’t know why I remembered that name so vividly. My body just reacted. Invicta is…someone I don’t know if I actually know. The kid I know…well,” she explained it like poison on her tongue.
“Did the kid hurt you in some way?”
Her stare was far away from here as she tensed. Glory held her tongue, balling her knees up to her chest. She just stared at the grass like the most interesting thing in the world.
“Is the kid related to the entity?”
She shrugged. Glory was completely out of it and that response was more of needing to give one than hearing anything. She was trembling, nails digging into her tights hard enough to begin causing holes.
*they gently pulled her into a hug.*
She flinched at first, the shaking only increasing until she could reason with herself they wouldn’t hurt her. She was safe. Their arms could be a safe haven. She just needed to learn how to not freak out when staring down safety.
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt anymore,” she whimpered. “I’m tired of it..”
The bat kid came bearing gifts this time. It knocked on their door with a basket in hand full of baked goods like something out of red riding hood.
-🦇
*Evelyn answered the door and smiled.*
"Hello, little one. Come in."
@ant-fella
The kid had a mouthful of a blueberry muffin and they offered the basket to her in its entirety. It wasn’t limping at all, which was good.
“For you!” It mumbled around the muffin.
"Thank you, this is very kind."
*She took the basket and set it on the kitchen counter.*
"Can I open it now or is it a surprise for later?"
Their wings flapped happily.
“For now! My mama made them because you patched me all better.”
"Well, tell your mama I said thank you."
*She opened the basket to see what was inside.*
It was all individually wrapped baked goods from banana bread to cinnamon scones. The kid had clearly stolen a blueberry muffin on its way here given by how it was still in the wrapping.
“She wanted me to make sure you know that her household isn’t gluten, egg, or dairy free so be careful! Same with nuts too. I’ll tell my mama you said thank you though.”
"This was very kind of her. I'll make sure to let my own children know so none of this goes to waste."
*She moved the basket onto the kitchen island so it was in plain view.*
"How have you been doing since your last unfortunate visit, little one?"
“Five men showed up at my door but I shot them,” it stared at the floor, hugging itself. “We put them into our graveyard. Theyre all cozy in one grave now…”
"Oh, that must've been really hard to do. I'm very sorry."
*Just the one grave? Eh. If they were trying to hurt the child, they probably didn't deserve the respect of separate graves. Or maybe there wasn't space in the graveyard.*
"Is it okay if I give you a hug?"
“Mhm…”
The kid looked like all the life had been drained for it as it reached up for a hug. All it wanted was a break, not this. It wanted to fly around like it did tonight in the cool night air.
Tears were brimming without it realizing.
*Evelyn hoisted the child into her arms to give it a big'ol bear hug, wiping away its tears.*
"There you go, it's okay. Would you like a snack or anything? Something to drink?"
“Where is the other woman..? Did my surgery.”
It sniffled and looked up at her.
"Ah, Naga. She's my wife, and she's upstairs in our room, asleep. So are my children. I wasn't sleeping well, so I was down here instead. Why do you ask?"
“You don’t have a lot of people in your house. It’s weird,” it grumbled.
“I live is a giant house with hundreds of other bats. Your home is tiny and only has a few people.”
"I'm sure it does seem weird to you, but it's my normal. I'd get overwhelmed in a house like yours. It's all about perspective, little one."
*She leaned in as if to tell the child a secret.*
"Don't tell anybody, but I'm shy. I don't like crowds all that much."
The kid giggled and pretended to zip its lips, wings flapping happily behind it for a moment.
“Shhhh, your secret is safe with me! I dunno. I really like having a lot of people because when it’s super duper cold out then we all just huddle together really tight like this.”
It squeezed her as hard as it could, which wasn’t hard at all.
*She squeezed back, not nearly as hard as she could.*
"That must be super cozy. It sounds really nice, but I can see it being a little too warm in the summer to do that."
“Nuh uh! We just do it with our AC on full blast. We have to do it to sleep now because it’s normal and otherwise we might lose eachother. We have a sleeping cave!”
"I see! That makes a lot of sense. I think sleeping with my family in one big group would be really nice. Are there other children your age back at home?"
“Mhm! There’s Martha and Johnny and Leo and Beckham and Tony and Bridgett and Jami and Allie and Lily and Kennedy and Sally and Lazari and Jack and Jason and Jeff and Jane and Jello and Jellyfish and Jane number two and Jane number three and number four and five and many more!”
It smiled.
“I could bring them all here!”
*She chuckled.*
"Perhaps you could, but I think it'd be a little crowded in here with all of you running about. The next time you visit, you can bring a few of them along."
“How much is a few? Like…half of them? I think the crowding would be nice!”
"It could be, but I don't want my children to feel overwhelmed with so many people being in their house at once. I'd say a few would be far fewer than what you're thinking, I'm afraid. I'd say that'd be up to three others with you."
“Hmmm…what if they stay outside?”
"That would be okay, but I'd have to ask that no more than three of them, not including you, come in the house at any time. I wouldn't want to lose track of any of them."
“Our parents lose track of us all the time so it’s fine! I didn’t see my mama for two months then now she’s always watching me. It’s annoying.”
"It must be, but I'd feel responsible if anything happened to any of you. I'd want to make sure you all stay safe."
“Stuff happens all the time! It’s okay! They’ll all be completely fine.”
"Whatever you say, little one. Would you like any snacks?"
“No,no, I brought YOU snacks! That’s not how this works.”
*She laughed.*
"You're right, that's on me. Force of habit. Very silly of me to ask."
“Exactly! You eat my food and I’ll steal from you if I—“
Knock. Knock.
The kid perked up.
*Evelyn set the kid down, kneeling to look it in the eye. She put a finger to her lips to indicate that they should whisper.*
"Do you know who that might be?"
“…no…?”
The kid blinked, giant eyes somehow wider. They shrunk into themselves and slowly was turning into their bat form. The bat form was smaller, harder to catch. It was difficult to shoot.
"Okay. It's going to be okay. Fly upstairs as quietly as you can. There's a door that'll be cracked, go inside. That's my room. Naga is in there sleeping. Crawl under the covers. It'll be okay. Go."
They nodded and took off, flying into her room. From downstairs, she could hear them slam against several walls on the way. Ouch.
Once they were there, they flew under the covers and squeaked quietly, landing on Naga’s chest and sprawling their wings out fully. Wake up. Please, wake up.
The knocks grew more insistent.
*Evelyn opened the door, face blank if not a little tired.*
"Hello."
~~~
*Naga shifted a bit and opened her eyes, putting her hand over the kid's body in the form of a hug.*
"Hi. What's wrong?"
The man looked like some sort of government official judging off the suit and pin. His hands were relaxed in his pockets with a kind smile.
“Hello, I was wondering if you have seen a kid about to my waist with bright orange hair and bat wings?”
His tone was gentle, considerate.
“I’m sorry to get you around dinner time.”
—
“There’s a person at the door and Evelyn wanted to me to hide here…” it’s tiny body was trembling.
“I’m scared…I don’t know what to do. I want her to be okay.”
"No, I'm sorry. I have not."
~~~
"Okay. 'S okay baby. You're safe here. Nothin's gonna happen to you."
*She pulled the covers up over it and pat its back.*
He raised an eyebrow, “Really? Because the last sighting saw this kid going into your house. So, where’s the kid?”
—
The bat grumbled and clung on desperately, head tucked in an attempt to stay safe. It’s teeth bit down on her skin, nibbling away as an anxious habit.
*She gave the man a look of mild disdain.*
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean. I've only seen my own children coming and going tonight. You forget yourself, and if you ask me one more nonsensical question, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
~~~
"Ouch. Chew on my shirt kiddo. Not me."
“This is a matter that is way beyond the law. Please, don’t make this more difficult than it has to be. This kid is not something you want to get roped in with.”
He seemed just as tired as she was.
“People are dying.”
—
The kid whined and released the skin before pouting and glancing up at her.
“But the blood…”
And those were the saddest eyes she’s ever seen.
"People die all the time. I've never seen any harm in it."
~~~
*Naga got up, still holding the kid close, and went into the bathroom. She opened the medicine cabinet to reveal a few blood bags.*
"There you go. There's a few different types there just in case. You can have one of these."
“You know Glory, do you not?”
His eyes narrowed.
“I don’t want to start an argument, really, but let’s both sit down and talk about this.”
—
The kids shook its head and bit onto her before letting out a yelp and flapped vigorously. Its scar running down its body was glowing slightly as it whimpered and shook in pain. Their eyes clenched shut in desperation for it to stop.
*Evelyn stepped outside, her body blocking the view into the house. She closed the door behind her.*
"You can sit on the steps."
~~~
*Naga took a few measured breaths before picking the kid up and setting it on her arm.*
"There. You move to a different spot if you start to hit muscle. Okay?"
“Fine by me,” he smiled gently, sitting on the steps of the porch.
His voice was shockingly gentle for someone in his role. He brushed a stray hair out of his face that’d fallen out of the layers of hairspray.
“But you do know Glory, correct?”
—
But the bat’s whining and groaning in pain didn’t stop at the scar shone a brighter and brighter purple. As a matter of fact, it completely slid of her hand and plopped onto the floor while loudly squeaking and flapping around desperately.
"I don't know. I keep to myself. I don't talk to a lot of people, much less ask for their name."
*She wasn't about to make his life easy despite his gentleness.*
~~~
*Shit. Shit fuck fuck fuck fuck. She knew that shade of purple. Shit. She was pissed at Evelyn now. She didn't know what to do. The entity was in her house and she didn't know what to do. Her kids were just down the hall. She didn't want her head to get cut off again. She didn't want the ants.
She dropped to the floor, picking the kid up and holding its mouth to her arm. Please bite her. Please don't let it take over. Don't kill this kid. Don't take her again. Please.*
He sighed and took off his suit jacket, plopping it into his lap.
“I know you know Glory. The kid knows too. I get you aren’t too inclined to socialize but I’m not asking us to be friends, just coworkers.”
He stuck out a hand, “Luciano, Luci for short.”
—
The kid whined and bite down hard, practically taking out a chunk. The glowing burnt her skin, blisters inevitable for the future.
Once the flesh met its tongue, the sizzling of flesh slowed the more its stomach filled. Eventually, it just went limp entirely, whining and drowsily blinking up at her.
*She stared at Luci's hand with disinterest, folding her own behind her back.*
"Cut to the chase. What do you want?"
~~~
*She hissed in pain and cradled the kid as she started first aid on the bite.*
“Alright, alright, I catch your drift. We need to go elsewhere to talk. The kid has exceptional hearing and this isn’t exactly a discussion for their ears. Take me wherever so long as it’s far enough away.”
—
The baby whined and looked vaguely like a baby who was ‘milk-drunk’.
“I’m sorry…”
"I don't feel comfortable going somewhere, anywhere, with a man I don't know."
~~~
"'S okay. 'S okay. Just burned. Nothin' to worry 'bout."
*She finished cleaning and wrapping the wound before gently rocking the kid.*
“I can always get a female agent. I’m willing to have this discussion here but…”
He pulled out his phone and typed out ‘we may have to sedate the kid’
—
The bat relaxed but never stopped worrying entirely. It crawled up her body onto her shoulder and took off to go by the window, barely out of sight if they were to look up.
“They’re talking about me…”
It shouldn’t be able to hear that.
"Correction: I'm not going anywhere with anyone I don't know. I'd rather stay home tonight."
*She mouthed back, 'why?'*
~~~
*She followed the kid to the window.*
"Do you know why?"
“That’s fine by me.”
‘So we can discuss what we need to without prying ears.’
—
The kid shrunk into itself, whining slightly. It knew. It knew but wouldn’t say.
*Evelyn looked at him with sarcastic surprise.*
Obviously Nostradamus. Why make such a big fuss over a child?
*It didn't seem to matter to her whether he knew sign language or not.*
~~~
*Naga sighed and gently stroked its back.*
"Come on. Let's lay down. 'S gonna be okay."
That child is under the same being as Glory. Glory is better at fighting it off. They are not.
He did. The man also knew Spanish and bits of Russian.
—
They flinched whenever she touched the scar and shook its head. No, no, can’t. Can’t go. Can’t do that.
They are a child. They can learn.
~~~
"Hey. You want a hug?"
Which is what we intend to do. We’re just needing for you to give us the kid willingly. It’s less stressful for all of us.
—
The kid nodded, wings tightly wrapped around itself protectively.
Let me go with it. Or take its mother along. It's too young to be all alone.
~~~
*Naga picked the kid up, careful to avoid its scar, and held it. She sat down on the edge of the bed, gently swaying side to side.*
Mother..?
He raised an eyebrow.
What mom?
—
The kid nibbled on her skin before correcting to her shirt collar, leaving a wet mark of saliva.
“Mmmmmm….” It whined
It has told me in the past that it has a mother.
~~~
"'S okay. 'S all gonna be alright."
I can tell you with certainty it does not.
He’s expression was one of concern.
—
“I want them to stop. I want them to stop, please.”
Interesting.
*She didn't look concerned at all.*
~~~
"Sorry baby but I can't make them stop. I know 's rough knowin' they're talkin' 'bout you but it'll be alright."
Let us take it into our custody, okay? You can come with.
He sighed.
—
“They’re silent now…”
Where? What are you going to do to it? Will it be safe? Will it be taken care of?
~~~
"Maybe they're done talkin'. You have real good hearin' kiddo. I couldn't hear them at all."
It will be safe. What we’ll do is something we can only discuss once properly in secret. It will be taken care off.
—
“They call it ears like a bat for a reason,” it giggled. “But I dunno…I hope Evelyn is okay.”
I can't let you take it. Not without telling me what you're going to do. Truthfully.
~~~
"She's strong. She's okay. Or if she isn't then she will be."
We have to study how to extract this being from its body and how to replicate it for others. They would be sedated most of the time to reduce stress and sent back once we ensure safety.
—
It whined and shook its head, “We should check on her.”
You mean Invicta? You can't do that.
~~~
"I don't think you should go with me baby. That man might be after you if they're talkin' 'bout you."
We’ve done it before and will do it again. It’s a matter of replicating this process. Even though Glory knows better on how to fight off the being, she still hardly knows how to. We can’t expect them to magically learn.
—
“I hate them. They deserve to have ice down their shirt.”
It's keeping Glory and the baby alive. What do you think will happen when you take it out of them?
~~~
"True that but 's not a good reason why we should put you in danger to check on Evelyn."
Why do you believe that’s what it’s doing?
He raised an eyebrow.
—
“Mmmmm hate it and I’m still hungry..”
Gods play favorites.
~~~
"Hungry for what exactly? Blood or just anythin'?"
Both of their lives are entirely stable and we have means to make sure they stay that way.
—
It whined and hid its face, shame filling its gut.
What means?
~~~
*Naga sighed, tired.*
"You can have more. Just be careful. Don't wanna get accidentally burned again."
People much like you. People who have powers as well as the best medical tech can offer. We’ll take you with and you can withdrawal the kid if you have reasonable cause from our custody.
—
It shook its head. No. It didn’t want to hurt people. It never wanted to have to do this.
What counts as reasonable cause?
~~~
"Okay. 'S okay. If we stay real quiet we can go downstairs and we can get you a snack."
Any reason you believe, that fits within what most people is reasonable, why they would be in danger.
—
“Must be fresh…”
What do most people find reasonable? What if I'm simply worried?
~~~
"Not that kinda snack. You can have that though. But I was thinkin' more along the lines of a banana or somethin'."
His eyebrow twitched.
How about you ask me your questions in a list on this dandy phone then I answer them, okay? Okay.
He smiled, a bit exhausted.
it’s easier for us both.
—
It stayed quiet. It couldn’t explain it, no, not without sobbing and judgement. All it could do was take the fruit and pretend it satiated its rumbling tummy.
“…okay…”
*She smiled back, vindicated, and took the phone to write down her questions.*
~~~
*Naga started to carry the kid down to the kitchen.*
"Listen kiddo. 'M not mad at you or upset about what you eat. That's okay. One of my daughters 's a werewolf. She eats random stuff all the time. What 'm more concerned about is you gettin' hurt 'cause you accidentally hurt someone by eatin'. Does that make sense?"
He waits patiently for her.
—
“Mmmmm,” it whined and shook its head.
“I’m okay…it’ll be okay.”
It couldn’t tell her.
*She eventually handed the phone back to him. Her questions were:*
Why? Did I ask why already? How do you know this will work? What does the extraction process consist of? Why do you know so much about me? Can you stop knowing so much about me? How many of you are there? What would happen if I killed you? Was the man I killed and ate hunting the child for you? Is Glory aware of your agency's existence? Has she been receptive of your agency? What does she think of you? Are you mortal? Have you followed me to The Waylay? Do you know my husband? What would they think of you? How long would the child and I have to stay? What's your agency called? Why do agencies like you have to be so damn secretive? Why do you think this god won't take revenge when you take away its favorite toys?
~~~
"You're clearly not but I'll drop it for now. What d'you want as a snack?"
Maybe, hitting his head onto a wall right now didnt sound so horrible.
You haven't asked why yet and we're doing this for the safety of this world. Invicta is a being that threatens the safety of billions of people and the very grounds that they live on. Even if you don't care about the people, you are at risk of your home being wrecked with emotional, if not physical, damages to your kids. By trying to extract it and research the kid, we have the possibility of sharing this knowledge with other worlds. You two would stay as long as that takes, so perhaps a week?
The extraction process is one that would primarily focus on those scars on their skin. As far as we're aware, that's Invicta's entrance and exit points in terms of possession.
As for you, we've done research and have a file on you alongside other beings like you. We can't stop knowing about you but we will halt our info-gathering if you so wish.
Our agency isnt something I can touch on as easily but I reassure you, that man you killed isn't associated with us. If you kill me there will just be more like me that come. Glory may know of us but I doubt she does thoroughly. I'm more than willing to introduce myself to her if you so wish.
Due to our data, we have heard faintly about the waylay but we dont know much, especially not about The Manager. I would hope they would think highly of us but theres not much I can assume based on a stranger.
We are well aware Invicta may take revenge but at the same time, we're willing to be sacrifices.
--
"Strawberries..."
Stop your info-gathering. See if Glory wants to talk directly to you. Back off if she doesn't. Why do research on the kid and not Glory, who can actually consent properly? Why can't you touch on your agency? What do you plan on doing to those scars?
~~~
"Okay. Let's get you some strawberries. They're already nice and cut up."
*Naga made a beeline for the kitchen when they got downstairs and got out a container of strawberries. She opened it and held a piece up to the kid.*
Glory is someone that is more directly intertwined with Invicta so we’re unable to get into as direct contact with her. We’ve tried but most of its ‘play things’ are slippery little buggers.
I can touch on my own agency but I would once again rather it be in more private quarters.
As for the scars, it would just be a skin removal then we allow for it to heal. The kid would be under pain killers and sedation.
—
The kid munched down on it, big’ol pupils dilated from the sweet treat.
“Do you have cool whip…?”
There is nothing out here but the animals. Discuss your agency and I will consider telling you where Glory is. How do you know Invicta won't simply give the child more scars?
~~~
"We do. Hang on a sec."
*She dug around in the fridge before getting out the tub of cool whip and opening it.*
Our agency is a government one specifically based on research of supernatural-akin beings and we step in as necessary. That’s the gist of it.
His eyes flickered about, paranoid.
And it’s a gamble for sure but we trust with your ties to the waylay you’ll be able to step in if we can’t. We’re partially asking you to take it into your custody.
—
They practically leapt out of her hold onto the edge of the cool whip, tiny tongue licking up the fluffy substance. It squeaked before diving head first to take a giant bite and surfacing with a ton on its face.
Where would we be going if we went along?
~~~
*Naga stifled a laugh.*
"Need some help there bud?"
About 40 miles south of here. It’s in the middle of the forest so we dont exactly have an address.
—
Its tongue stuck out to lick around its face but there was still a ton on the rest of its head.
“Strawberry, please!” It opened its mouth for food.
Why are you so close to my house? Am I annoying you with all these questions?
~~~
*She picked up a strawberry and held it out to them.*
This facility is one of many that we own. We concentrate in areas with higher activity of supernatural beings and with you, the bat, and that one treehouse that dissapeared, we set up one nearby. Its hardly our main one.
and no, you have a right to ask questions.
--
The kid chomped down on the strawberry in its entirety before taking a massive bite of cool whip. It tried to swallow it in one go only to choke and erupt into a fit of coughing.
Treehouse? I have lived on this mountain for a long time. There has never been a treehouse in these woods.
~~~
"Ope! Careful there baby."
*She pat the kid's back, careful to not touch their scar.*
"Make sure you chew."
Glory’s treehouse?
They raised an eyebrow.
—
The kid coughed it up, spitting it all out on the countertop…ew.
It transformed into its human form, sitting on the counter while swinging its legs. Their wings twitched slightly as they grabbed another strawberry and more cool whip. This time, with a larger, human mouth, it didn’t choke.
“You want some?”
I see. The other, arguably more stable woods. What does your facility look like?
~~~
*Naga wiped down the counter with paper towels.*
"Nah 'm okay. Have at it kiddo."
Like a cabin almost? We mainly work in the basement.
He shrugged.
Anymore questions?
—
It was working at an insane pace, devouring the strawberries and cool whip in record time. It wasn’t even thinking about a tummy ache.
No. Well, yes. Only one more. Does the child know of you and your agency?
~~~
"Might wanna take it slow there bud. Don't want you to get a bellyache."
As far as I’m aware? No.
—
“But it’s yummy…” it pouted.
*Evelyn thought for a while.*
Alright. I will go get it.
*She disappeared into the house.*
~~~
"You'll hurt your belly if you eat too fast."
*Evelyn came over to Naga and the child.*
"Hey, little one. It's a nice night. Would you like to take a walk with me?"
He nodded and waited patiently.
—
The bat blinked and tilted its head.
“The man is still out there? Are we walking with him?”
"He is. Don't worry, though. He's okay."
"'S safe?"
"Yes."
It swayed side to side hesitantly before sliding off the countertop. The kid reached for her hand, shaky and squeaking more than normal.
“Okay…”
Glory chuckled, “Holy shit, I see what Naga means by you two sounding insane sometimes. I mean, I get it, you’re not human but geez. No judgement but people typically don’t say that in front of a third wheel.”
She began on the second braid.
“We refuse to be silenced by friendship.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"We don't have any sort of filter. It's also a good reason why we're not having a public wedding. If you think this is bad, imagine what we'd say for our vows."
@ant-fella
“No, because now I’m curious what your vows theoretically would be. Give me your best.”
@waylay-managment-2
*they took Evelyn’s hands.*
“I swear I will do anything for you. I would kill for you. Die for you. I would live for you through the worst pain in the world. As long as I get to see your face again.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*She took a deep breath to prepare for a big speech, then paused.*
"How lucky am I?"
@ant-fella
“Awww, that’s actually really sweet. I think that’d be socially appropriate at a wedding but I may not be the best gauge of that.”
A memory came to mind. One with Evelyn she nearly forgot. The way she glanced at Evelyn when she asked was with a moment of hesitation before she brushed it off.
“Yeah, you’re lucky.”
@waylay-managment-2
“You can’t ask how lucky you are in your vows, people won’t answer.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Have you ever heard of something called a 'rhetorical question'?"
*Evelyn flicked their forehead. She looked back at Glory, silently asking if she was okay.*
@ant-fella
She didn’t respond, just working on the final braid. It would likely have to be a conversation brought up later. Glory didn’t want to ruin the mood whatsoever.
“Hey, I’ll answer so long as I’m there! Give me a script and I’ll answer any question.”
@waylay-managment-2
“I’lo proof read your best woman speech.”
"I fear this conversation is making you want to plan a wedding, love. That's not to say I'm annoyed by it, but I do like our original plan better."
@ant-fella
She perked up with a giant goofy grin, “You’d let me be your best woman?”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course I would! And Evelyn, yes, I’d love to plan a wedding. And then we both never show up and elope at a courthouse with Glory as a witness and then we run away together to the Antarctic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Our wedding night, on the same day as the fake one, consisting of dressing up nice and eating dinner in my room, on the floor, with no one else but each other. Very romantic."
@ant-fella
“I’d HAPPILY be your witness. I’d have my best woman speech planned and everything so you can have that ounce of an experience. I also just want to write one to be honest. I think it’d be sweet,” she tied off the last braid with a smile.
“That sounds amazing.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well, you can absolutely write one.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"...Would people be upset if we invited them to a wedding we never show up to? No one really knows who I am, but I don't want them to not like me."
@ant-fella
“Nah, just tell them to go along with it. Warn them beforehand and bring good food and alcohol. Most people really look forward to that stuff.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Also, a lot of people know you. I tell them how amazing you are.”
"They don't know me personally, though. I could be different from their expectations. But I'm not sure. It could be fun to mess with everyone."
@ant-fella
“You’re pretty likable, I’ll tell you that. Besides, if they can’t take a joke when they’re explicitly warned this is what you’re doing, that’s on them. It’s your wedding day. That day is for you.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Exactly. Plus they still get to have a party.”
"Mmm. Alright. I'm not going to be the one to invite anyone, though. I don't know anyone well enough for that."
@ant-fella
“You know me!” She chirped. “You better invite me.”
Glory finished the braids completely and it was a complete display of rainbow floral all carefully braided into their hair. It stood out nicely against their pristine white suit.
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course we will.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That was a given. I can't decide, though, if planning a wedding we won't attend will end up being more or less stressful than if we were to be there."
@ant-fella
“Just plan some food and music mainly,” she shrugged. “That seems like the most important parts to me. I always loved the music to most.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well we have to get Vic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*Evelyn raised an eyebrow, smile teasing.*
"So you won't hear him perform?"
@ant-fella
“Who is Vic?”
@waylay-managment-2
“My favorite musician of all time who preforms from 9-10 every night because it’s my restaurant and I can do what I want.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"You should really take that approach to more things in life."
*Evelyn has decided to keep her opinions to herself.*
@ant-fella
She hesitated but smiled slightly when asking, “can I listen to them..? Watch them perform, I mean. I remember seeing the lobby and it was always so active and I feel like it’d be amazing.”
…but didn’t she say never to let her out?
@waylay-managment-2
“I can probably get you a portable cell so you could see out. Like a cat carrier. You’d have to be in bird form though.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Perhaps it could use magic to let you see everything, but only let people see you if you want them to. Make it bigger and more comfortable on the inside than it looks on the outside.."
*She started to hum as she thought out the possibilities.*
@ant-fella
Cage. That would be like a cramped cage…but she couldn’t complain about a gift. She couldn’t complain even if she imagined when she couldn’t even open her wings an inch.
She shook her head free of her spiral.
“That’d be really nice. We could go listen and maybe get a drink? I don’t mind people seeing me but could you make the inside feel bigger maybe…? Not to be needy of course! Im okay with whichever you give me!”
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh, absolutely! I wouldn’t want you to feel claustrophobic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That'd be basic decency on our part. It also brings up a question: if we're not there, as originally planned, who'll be there to carry you, dear Glory?"
@ant-fella
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, pupils dilated before she glanced back down. Wrong. No. Bad. Can’t.
“I uh…I don’t know. I think you two are the only ones I feel comfortable with in case shit hits the fan…I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me because I’m paranoid though. I can always just stay in here.”
The same walls. The same perches. Even if it was nice, it’d drive anyone insane to see the same over and over again.
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh nonsense. I can happily do it! Besides, I like showing people around.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Giving tours might as well be a hobby of theirs. At this point, I think it is."
@ant-fella
“Really? Why do you like it so much?”
She perked up once more.
@waylay-managment-2
“I like showing off my handiwork! And, I also like showing off my wonderful children, and The Waylay is one of them.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Oh! Speaking of, Jackson said to me that Wil would be happy to help plan our wedding. Even if we're only focusing on food and music, I'm sure it'd love to contribute."
@ant-fella
She smiled, “I’d love to meet Wil as well. We could talk over a late night snack while Vic plays in the lobby. It’s just a thought.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That reminds me that I've yet to meet Wil. I've yet to meet a lot of your children, actually. I'd say that adopting children is also a hobby of yours, and it's technically true, but it sounds so strange."
@ant-fella
“Oh god, I was a bit of the same way back with the entity,” she scoffed. “I’ve always had a sweet spot for kids.”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s easy to do when they’re here. Most of them show up without a parent. What else am I supposed to do other than give them one?”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Fair enough. That reminds me, actually, and I apologize for killing the mood, but I might as well talk about it now, since I haven't had a good opportunity to yet."
*She considered her words carefully for a while, looking between Manny and Glory.*
"What does the name 'Invicta' mean to either of you?"
@ant-fella
Glory stiffened and eyes were practically pin points.
“Why?”
Pure an utter terror dripped from her tone. It was something primal that she couldn’t pin down.
“Evelyn, where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes never faltered from her but they did glaze over, heart beat pounding as a video replayed in her mind.
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Glory.*
“It just means invincible in Latin. Glory, what’s wrong?”
*Evelyn sighed, smile strained.*
"A child showed up at home a few days before I met you, Glory. A bat child. I helped it clean up because it was dirty. A few nights later, I caught a man as he was hunting it. He was the one that said the name, and then I killed him."
@ant-fella
She was completely frozen and eyes flickering over to the door. No, she couldn’t break through it. She’s tried that before.
Trapped. She couldn’t leave here. She couldn’t do anything.
Glory’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she took a step back, nearly stumbling. She picked at her cuticles and shook her head.
“Get away from that kid Evelyn.”
It was practically a growl.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. Explain.”
"I already have gotten away from it."
@ant-fella
“Manny, I don’t know how much I can say.”
She glanced to the door.
“Leave. Please, I’m not trying to be rude but I need you to leave.”
She was shaking. There was no way for her to escape but there was still ways to avoid.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. I’ve never met this kid. If you say they’re bad, they’re bad. I trust you.”
"...Alright. I'm sorry. I should see if Naga is ready to cut her head off, anyway. See what the children are up to."
*Evelyn kissed Manny goodbye and stood up, face neutral and pulling at a chunk of her hair as she left the enclosure.*
@ant-fella
She was hit with a wave of guilt at Evelyn’s clear distress. Glory crossed her arms and glanced away. She was disgusting.
“I’m sorry..”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s okay. I get it. Just… what can you tell me safely?”
Glory sat down and placed her hands into her lap. She glanced up at Manny before shuffling closer. Making herself not so skittish was still on her mind even as she felt like she was about to pass out.
“I…I don’t know why I remembered that name so vividly. My body just reacted. Invicta is…someone I don’t know if I actually know. The kid I know…well,” she explained it like poison on her tongue.
“Did the kid hurt you in some way?”
Her stare was far away from here as she tensed. Glory held her tongue, balling her knees up to her chest. She just stared at the grass like the most interesting thing in the world.
“Is the kid related to the entity?”
She shrugged. Glory was completely out of it and that response was more of needing to give one than hearing anything. She was trembling, nails digging into her tights hard enough to begin causing holes.
Anthony looked more like a corpse than a person. His eyes were exhausted and hardly glancing at anything as he strolled into the lobby. He had the stench of BO and his locs looked like they needed a retwist about a week ago. Anthony was already in a smaller frame but he had lost some weight, jeans hanging much looser on their hips.
An ant was on their shoulder, whispering something in English. They sounded vaguely encouraging as he plopped down at a table, eyes glazed over and distant
-🐜 ( @ant-fella )
*He needs help*
*But the ants*
*But he needs help*
*But my leg*
*But Anthony needs help.*
*I crouch down next to him, so he doesn't have to move his head to see me. Please don't recognize me* "...Anthony?"
Anthony hardly reacted. He was making eye contact but the only acknowledgement was the slight eyebrow raise of confusion. From expression alone, they didn’t seem to recognize Jackson.
The ant waved one of its tiny arms and didn’t seem to recognize him either, smiling politely. Helm didn’t know how he knew Anthony but it was glad that they had another friend!
Anthony? What's going on? What got ya into this state?
He began tearing up, eyes instantly going down. Anthony knew that going out of his room was an awful idea. He was just being dumb.
Helm shuffled side to side, clearly not doing too well itself but trying to hold it together. When it spoke, it was unlike any of the squeaking. No, it was perfect English.
“The rest of the colony died…exploded. I was the only one left…”
It had to be his voice no matter how much it wanted to cry. It just wanted to lay down and die with the rest of them. It didn’t deserve to survive.
*Some deep, sick, destructive part of me is glad that ants died. The things that tortured my father, stole my leg, and left long scars down my torso. But... never at the expense of Anthony* Jesus fuck.
“Mhm…”
He was sobbing. Fully sobbing. His eyes were far away from this lobby. He was reliving every memory he had left of them from the worst to the best. Every bit meant so much knowing he would never get it back.
The ant crawled off his shoulder and grabbed a napkin, nudging it to Anthony. He didn’t even response to the stimuli. He was too far gone.
*I pull him into my arms on the bar floor, rocking back and forth gently* Take your time, kiddo.
He clings on for dear life, words impossible but weeps coming easy. No matter how many tears were spilled, none were enough to clear the weight surrounding him or the pit in his stomach. The only thing he thought could do that was a Time Machine, not crying into a stranger’s arms.
Helm followed and crawled onto Jackson’s shoulder, still holding the napkin. The kid’s voice was hesitant and barely above a whisper.
“Who are you..?”
*The all encompassing grief. It's something I know far too well. The years I spent just drifting, doing my "job" and nothing more, no aim or goal or home. I barely remember them.*
I'm Jackson. One of the Managers kids. *The one who started all of this.* And you?
He just wanted them back. That was all. That’s all that could fix this. Anthony just lost his entire family, those who stuck by his side no matter what, and he felt like death. He should’ve gone with them.
“Im Helm and you already know this is Anthony. Uhm…how do you know each other?” Because Anthony didn’t seem to know him.
Helm tensed. One of The Manager’s kids. The who was responsible for the slaughter of his kind.
...We met when Anthony first got here, but not for very long, it makes sense he doesn't remember me.
*I don't have reassuring words for Anthony. There were none that could have been offered when the only family I had for 10 years was buried in the red clay. There are none that can do anything now.*
“I just want them back,” he muttered between hics and sobs.
Helm skittered back over to Anthony’s shoulder to try and support it. The kid was struggling with this itself, mini face contorted, but it had to push on. It couldn’t allow itself to fall behind. It had to help.
“I know..we both do, it’s okay.”
I know. There isn't a day that passes where I don't miss him. *My hands may be covered, but I can still feel the echo of his grief in my own emotions.*
Anthony glanced up, questioning his choice of words silently. Helm did the same with a tilted head as he finally got Anthony to take the napkin and wipe his nose.
It's... nothing. Sorry.
Anthony let it go, too intertwined in his own mind to do much else. Helm chose to push a tad.
“Am I allowed to ask what you mean?”
This ant seemed very different than the ones who chose to aid in cutting off his leg.
*It's... so small. And clearly alone in whatever has happened. Anthony was once teeming with life.*
My... father. He passed when I was a teenager and he was all I had. All I want is one more day with him. Just the second to say "I love you" one last time.
“I’m so sorry for your loss…”
Anthony cried more at that. That was lol he wanted. At the very least, he wanted one last day before they could pass peacefully. One more day to spend with them and say all the words left unspoken.
...I can't say it gets easier. It doesn't. There are days where I can't see anything good in the world without him. But I keep living. Because that's what he'd want me to do.
It's what they need you to do.
TW SUICIDAL IDEATION
“I just want to join them…” he buried his head into Jackson’s shoulder.
Anthony felt frail, both physically and emotionally. One thing falling out of place in his life would devastate him beyond belief.
Helm glanced away. It did too. It shouldn’t have survived. What made it special?
...me too.
“Huh..?”
He felt so alone in this like no one would connect. Anthony thought he couldn’t fine anyone who would even understand.
Only thing that kept me alive was the animals I had started collecting. If I died, no one 'ld care for em.
That was all I had, and even then, there were days that while fighting I thought I'd die... and I couldn't bring myself to care. Even now... I'd be lying if I said I cared too much about dying.
If I die, I'll end up here.
“I don’t know where their souls ended up. I hope somewhere peaceful. When I die, I don’t know if I want to go here. I think I’d just want to fade away and at best, finally find my home. Find the people that are like me. Find my parents.”
“I don’t think either of care about dying at this point.”
It'd be nice to fade like that. Just... dissolve into nothing. No worries. none of the heaviness.
But I have siblings now. and a squirrel. and a coyote. and a horse. that ain't even counting the people older than me. Lotta people would be plenty mad if I tried to move on so soon. And you've got yer little rider with you. Both of you need to survive, even if it's hell.
“Or we just die together…”
He grumbled. That would be easy. They both fade into nothing before any of the eggs in his blood can hatch.
Helm hesitated then…nodded in agreement. That would be nice…
Nope. Not an option. you made friends here with some people I really care about, and you dying'll hurt them. I don't let people hurt my family.
His voice cracked, “Is it wrong to say I don’t care?”
He normally did. He cared about making everyone happy and caring for them. Anthony loved basically everyone, or at least tried to but now, that was gone. It felt selfish but he just wanted to choose himself.
No. Means you got boundaries. I wish I could stop caring, let people sort out their own shit. But if I did, then I wouldn't be sitting here.
“I don’t want to be sitting here. Not one bit of me wants to be but I’m trying,” he clung to him tighter.
“I’m trying so hard but I can’t..I can’t do this anymore. I’m just tired.”
Not a tired from a lack of sleep. Emotionally exhausted. Tired of everything to the very concept of living.
You ever held a squirrel before?
He blinked, “…no?”
Helm perked up.
*I lift my hat, pulling JJ out from underneath while he blinks. He was having a nap* I gotta point to this. Meet JJ, Jessie James.
Anthony smiled slightly and reached out his hands to take JJ. Helm skittered lower down his arm to investigate.
*JJ is more than used to being handled at this point, he lives for the attention. He chitters softly while looking up at Anthony* You can pet him.
Anthony nodded and gently pet his head. His nails tenderly ran along his fur as a smile tugged at his cheeks.
“You’re just a cutie pie, aren’t you?”
Helm chose to come closer, crawling onto the hand Anthony was using to pet him. It glanced up at Jackson, hesitant.
“Am I allowed to crawl inside..?”
*That nightmare. The reality I almost lived myself. The ants pouring out of every orfice...*
I uh... Don't think he'd much like that. Sorry.
“I just want to be able to explore. It won’t hurt at all.”
Anthony just hummed in agreement.
“It’s not that scary. I’ll be careful.”
“Done under the right control, it really doesn’t feel like much.”
I- I'm sure you are... B-but I can't
I just can't.
He's my best friend.
Helm squeaked, concerned about the change in volume instantly. They skittered onto Jackson’s hand and placed a tiny, apologetic kiss onto his skin. He could partially feel the needle-like teeth brushing against him on accident, offering less comfort than what was originally intended.
“Sorry, sorry, I promise I won’t! JJ just seems really nice and I was curious. Im younger so I haven’t really explored many body systems yet.”
*I can almost feel the phantom pain of the bites I took forever to let heal. Almost.*
"I- Please, I know you aren't trying to hurt... but someone else is. Someone wants to, so bad. And I'm so scared they'll use you to do it. Please."
“I..don’t understand..?”
It was genuine confusion. Anthony shared the same expression, pausing his petting to glance at Jackson.
Good. You shouldn't have to.
“No, no, I need to know.”
The kid’s voice was a tad frantic, eyes squinted as if trying to fill in a major gap of the puzzle in his mind. Anthony didn’t have the energy to properly argue but he nodded.
You'll hate me. Both of you. With good reason.
And I'm scared your god will hurt you for knowing.
“No, we won’t! I pinky promise,” it stared at its legs.
It didn’t have a pinky.
“I promise!” It corrected.
The next voice was one of pure confusion and borderline terror, “Jackson, we don’t have a god.”
Anthony... your ant's are not ants. what do you think they are?
Helm, do you know what you are a part of?
*This could kill them both. What if the Entity targets them just for this little bit of information. I know how unfeeling it is for Anthony's body, treating it as a disposable breeding ground.*
“I know they’re not ants but we both have no clue what they are. It’s like how I also don’t know my species. I’m just me,” his fear didn’t settle in his tone.
“I’m apart of the colony..?”
The Entity, the ants... and you... are all the same. Different parts of a whole. The Entity itself... it wanted to take my body as penance. It has tortured my father, tormented my little sibling, and taken my leg. It will not be happy until I am dead because of what I've done.
“No…I’m..I’m my own person,” his voice was barely a whisper.
All at once, his hands didn’t feel like his own. He may be petting JJ but that wasn’t him. It was like watching a movie and his limbs felt off. Too large? Too small of hands? His mind was blending it all together.
Helm had to hold it together. It had no choice.
“What did you do..?”
This wasn’t real.
You are. I never said you arent. I am of Yog Sothoth, but I am me.
I shouldn't have told you. I shouldnt have... jesus I'm sorry. *the only thing stopping me from forcing my head between my legs is Helm*
*I cant answer them*
Anthony’s reaction was more forceful than anything he’s done so far. It was still minimal at best, like seeing a tiny dog bark at you and you know it can’t really do anything.
“You’re fine!” But he was still kind. “Just..tell me. I need to know.”
He placed JJ closer to Jackson, hoping to offer some form of comfort and familiarity.
I SHOT YOU!
*I feel like I've been hunted down and skinned for everything I held inside.*
*It all feels so much worse now. Even more than in the desert, on my knees tell the Entity to take my life. It's all so heavy.*
He blinked and then scanned over his body once. No new scars or marks he couldn’t remember.
“…No…you didn’t?”
Helm’s face was similar, if not the same as it tried to recall anything similar to that. Nope, nothing.
No, no.. you don't remember. That's the point. I cant tell who it's supposed to torture the most, but it doesn't want you to remember. But ask my father, ask Daisy! I ran to her for help after I realized you were a real person, not an inhabited corpse.
“Why wouldn’t I remember any of this?”
This wasn’t real at all. No, he had to be dreaming. Everything since their death was all just an elaborate hallucination, maybe?
“Anthony, breathe…”
He hadn’t even realized how he was beginning to hyperventilate, heart pounding as his body sent adrenaline coursing. Helm was shaking as well but Anthony only have it left. It couldn’t freak out even as it wanted to curl up.
“I don’t have a god. I never have had a god. I didn’t get shot and I don’t know what you’re talking about. Why wouldn’t I remember?”
Tears were brimming once more.
I'd reckon it's for this very moment. A sick, twisted, waiting game. The pay off being this very moment.
His hands went from JJ to their nails, picking at the cuticles with little care for if he may bleed from it. Helm crawled over and tried to get him to stop to no avail.
“I don’t get it,” he shook, lump in his throat from trying not to entirely break down.
“This makes no sense and I did nothing wrong. I just want it to all stop. I’m so tired.”
*JJ retreats to me, unsure on what to do anymore either. My only thought is to pull one wrist away from the other*
That's why it wants me dead. You did nothing wrong. I shot you, an innocent man, out of fear. It's why I would have let it kill me. It's why I lost my leg. Because I tried to kill you instead of save you.
Because I am a monster.
He allows himself to be led like a ragdoll. There was no use in fighting.
“But why me? Why would you want to hurt anyone in general rather than move on with forgiveness? I don’t get it.”
Helm kissed his hand, trying to give some reassurance.
“You’re not a monster at all. You made a mistake. That happens!”
A mistake that would have killed you if you were more human! The ants and Daisy are the only reason your alive!
“Well, I made it out alive now so we dont have to worry about it,” he laughed but there was no humor in it.
“I just need to figure out what the fuck is going on with me…am I in danger?”
If I fucking knew, I'd tell ya!
Anthony looked on the verge of breaking down completely and that was Helm’s sign to step in.
“Tell us everything, please.”
Pure desperation.
I can't. I can't tell you everything. But I know someone who should be able to tell you what I don't know.
“Please.”
They were about to cry. Both of them.
*I pull Anthony out from under the table, letting him lean on me if needed, while I walk to my fathers office, knocking on the door*
"Dad?"
@waylay-managment-2
“Come in!”
*I lead Anthony in behind me. I know I must look grave to them, and with Anthony beside me this looks like a worst case scenario*
I... need your help answering questions.
@ant-fella
Anthony has had better days. He smelled of BO and looked like he hadn’t showered in a while. His clothes were wrinkly with all light from his eyes gone.
Both Helm and Anthony tensed upon seeing The Manager, the man that murdered The Colony. He even looked on the verge of sprinting out as he protectively held Helm in his hands.
“Them?”
That’s who he chose to help?
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Anthony and their mouth set in a line.*
“Jackson, I may not be the best person to come too. For Anthony’s sake.”
@twelve-starry-eyes
Dad I don't know who else to ask. He doesn't remember anything.
@ant-fella
“I don’t care if I like you.”
He commited one of the few crimes he can’t forgive.
“You know what happened. You tell me. We move on with our lives.”
@waylay-managment-2
“What do you want to know?”
What is the Entity. Why doesn't Anthony know it and him are connected? That the ants are part of it? Why did it take his memories of what I did to him? *I squeeze Anthony's hand. I know my father. I know that he won't hurt someone without reason and I wont let a reason become reality*
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked up at them both, their eyes were wet.*
“The entity is the thing that took Jackson’s leg, and if I explain more, I don’t know what it will do to you.”
Anthony squeezes his hand back, desperate for any form of comfort. His breath is shaky, trying desperately to stay calm.
“Tell me. I deserve to know.”
It also took Evelyns arm and horns. And it hurt my little sibling, Wil.
It sees you as... replaceable, Anthony. I showed me your corpse and used your voice over and over to try and break me.
@waylay-managment-2
“You deserve to know. And I will tell you as soon as I know it won’t kill you for knowing.”
“I don’t care if I die anymore. Tell. Me. It’s the last thing you can do after your slaughter.”
They’d join their friends and family after all.
It turned to Jackson, “Thank you for being an ounce of cooperative.”
@twelve-starry-eyes
I think we're all trying. Just also wanting to keep you alive.
*The pieces have already clicked for me.*
*my only question will be why.*
@waylay-managment-2
“They will kill you the moment I start talking.”
“Let them kill me. Let them bring me with my friends and family but if I’m going to die, let know die knowing what’s going on. Besides, there’s wards against them no, isn’t there?”
How..did he know that?
@twelve-starry-eyes
Anthony! You don't get it, when someone in the waylay dies, it hurts this entire pocket dimension and my little sibling. I'm not willing to trade your life when it's compleatly avoidable, especially when I don't want to see Wil hurt as well.
I don't want to think about the toll it would take on them.
*I still think of Yves*
As for the Wards... that isn't my business. That is The Managers business and no one elses, Anthony.
@waylay-managment-2
“The wards can’t stop them from killing you remotely.”
@ant-fella
“Not my business? So, it’s not my business to know what the fuck is happening TO ME? To know why I can’t remember most of my life and now I’m being told all of this stuff that I supposedly did that makes zero sense? Yeah, because that’s TOTALLY not my business,” he threw his hands up in exasperation.
“Take me out of here and into some place I won’t impact the waylay. I just need to know.”
He sounded furious but above all, it was desperation, grief, and distress. He didn’t want to hurt anyone. He was just terrified.
@twelve-starry-eyes
Anthony, I know you and Helm don't care about if you live or die... but I do.
Dad... is there any middle ground here?
@waylay-managment-2
“The middle ground is that Rosa is currently investigating the entity and I am as well, but if it impacts anyone again I’m going to brute force my way into making it stop, and after I do that I will happily explain everything.”
@ant-fella
He stiffened.
“Will anyone get hurt in the process of that?”
Helm blinked and they could practically see the light bulb ignite, “I could be a spy in the investigation!”
@twelve-starry-eyes
They ain't gonna hurt no one if they don't have to, Anthony.
@waylay-managment-2
“Correct. I only plan on making it scared enough of me to do what I say. I won’t even hurt the entity if I don’t have to.”
@ant-fella
He hummed in consideration. Helm shuffled around again. Did anyone hear it? It wanted to help!
“I could be a spy..?”
It repeated, less certain and more dejected.
@twelve-starry-eyes
Helm... wants to be a spy.
@waylay-managment-2
*The Manager smiled, unsure who this was.*
“As long as you promise not to get hurt, yes. You can be a spy.”
The ant cheered and did a tiny hop. Huh, so that was Helm. That actually could actually work well.
“I’ll be super helpful and careful. Just let me know what you need, boss,” a tiny arm saluted them.
Anthony couldn’t help but smile a tad. His stare was one of concern though. He didn’t want to lose another one.
@twelve-starry-eyes
Glory chuckled, “Holy shit, I see what Naga means by you two sounding insane sometimes. I mean, I get it, you’re not human but geez. No judgement but people typically don’t say that in front of a third wheel.”
She began on the second braid.
“We refuse to be silenced by friendship.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"We don't have any sort of filter. It's also a good reason why we're not having a public wedding. If you think this is bad, imagine what we'd say for our vows."
@ant-fella
“No, because now I’m curious what your vows theoretically would be. Give me your best.”
@waylay-managment-2
*they took Evelyn’s hands.*
“I swear I will do anything for you. I would kill for you. Die for you. I would live for you through the worst pain in the world. As long as I get to see your face again.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*She took a deep breath to prepare for a big speech, then paused.*
"How lucky am I?"
@ant-fella
“Awww, that’s actually really sweet. I think that’d be socially appropriate at a wedding but I may not be the best gauge of that.”
A memory came to mind. One with Evelyn she nearly forgot. The way she glanced at Evelyn when she asked was with a moment of hesitation before she brushed it off.
“Yeah, you’re lucky.”
@waylay-managment-2
“You can’t ask how lucky you are in your vows, people won’t answer.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Have you ever heard of something called a 'rhetorical question'?"
*Evelyn flicked their forehead. She looked back at Glory, silently asking if she was okay.*
@ant-fella
She didn’t respond, just working on the final braid. It would likely have to be a conversation brought up later. Glory didn’t want to ruin the mood whatsoever.
“Hey, I’ll answer so long as I’m there! Give me a script and I’ll answer any question.”
@waylay-managment-2
“I’lo proof read your best woman speech.”
"I fear this conversation is making you want to plan a wedding, love. That's not to say I'm annoyed by it, but I do like our original plan better."
@ant-fella
She perked up with a giant goofy grin, “You’d let me be your best woman?”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course I would! And Evelyn, yes, I’d love to plan a wedding. And then we both never show up and elope at a courthouse with Glory as a witness and then we run away together to the Antarctic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Our wedding night, on the same day as the fake one, consisting of dressing up nice and eating dinner in my room, on the floor, with no one else but each other. Very romantic."
@ant-fella
“I’d HAPPILY be your witness. I’d have my best woman speech planned and everything so you can have that ounce of an experience. I also just want to write one to be honest. I think it’d be sweet,” she tied off the last braid with a smile.
“That sounds amazing.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well, you can absolutely write one.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"...Would people be upset if we invited them to a wedding we never show up to? No one really knows who I am, but I don't want them to not like me."
@ant-fella
“Nah, just tell them to go along with it. Warn them beforehand and bring good food and alcohol. Most people really look forward to that stuff.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Also, a lot of people know you. I tell them how amazing you are.”
"They don't know me personally, though. I could be different from their expectations. But I'm not sure. It could be fun to mess with everyone."
@ant-fella
“You’re pretty likable, I’ll tell you that. Besides, if they can’t take a joke when they’re explicitly warned this is what you’re doing, that’s on them. It’s your wedding day. That day is for you.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Exactly. Plus they still get to have a party.”
"Mmm. Alright. I'm not going to be the one to invite anyone, though. I don't know anyone well enough for that."
@ant-fella
“You know me!” She chirped. “You better invite me.”
Glory finished the braids completely and it was a complete display of rainbow floral all carefully braided into their hair. It stood out nicely against their pristine white suit.
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course we will.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That was a given. I can't decide, though, if planning a wedding we won't attend will end up being more or less stressful than if we were to be there."
@ant-fella
“Just plan some food and music mainly,” she shrugged. “That seems like the most important parts to me. I always loved the music to most.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well we have to get Vic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*Evelyn raised an eyebrow, smile teasing.*
"So you won't hear him perform?"
@ant-fella
“Who is Vic?”
@waylay-managment-2
“My favorite musician of all time who preforms from 9-10 every night because it’s my restaurant and I can do what I want.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"You should really take that approach to more things in life."
*Evelyn has decided to keep her opinions to herself.*
@ant-fella
She hesitated but smiled slightly when asking, “can I listen to them..? Watch them perform, I mean. I remember seeing the lobby and it was always so active and I feel like it’d be amazing.”
…but didn’t she say never to let her out?
@waylay-managment-2
“I can probably get you a portable cell so you could see out. Like a cat carrier. You’d have to be in bird form though.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Perhaps it could use magic to let you see everything, but only let people see you if you want them to. Make it bigger and more comfortable on the inside than it looks on the outside.."
*She started to hum as she thought out the possibilities.*
@ant-fella
Cage. That would be like a cramped cage…but she couldn’t complain about a gift. She couldn’t complain even if she imagined when she couldn’t even open her wings an inch.
She shook her head free of her spiral.
“That’d be really nice. We could go listen and maybe get a drink? I don’t mind people seeing me but could you make the inside feel bigger maybe…? Not to be needy of course! Im okay with whichever you give me!”
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh, absolutely! I wouldn’t want you to feel claustrophobic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That'd be basic decency on our part. It also brings up a question: if we're not there, as originally planned, who'll be there to carry you, dear Glory?"
@ant-fella
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, pupils dilated before she glanced back down. Wrong. No. Bad. Can’t.
“I uh…I don’t know. I think you two are the only ones I feel comfortable with in case shit hits the fan…I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me because I’m paranoid though. I can always just stay in here.”
The same walls. The same perches. Even if it was nice, it’d drive anyone insane to see the same over and over again.
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh nonsense. I can happily do it! Besides, I like showing people around.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Giving tours might as well be a hobby of theirs. At this point, I think it is."
@ant-fella
“Really? Why do you like it so much?”
She perked up once more.
@waylay-managment-2
“I like showing off my handiwork! And, I also like showing off my wonderful children, and The Waylay is one of them.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Oh! Speaking of, Jackson said to me that Wil would be happy to help plan our wedding. Even if we're only focusing on food and music, I'm sure it'd love to contribute."
@ant-fella
She smiled, “I’d love to meet Wil as well. We could talk over a late night snack while Vic plays in the lobby. It’s just a thought.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That reminds me that I've yet to meet Wil. I've yet to meet a lot of your children, actually. I'd say that adopting children is also a hobby of yours, and it's technically true, but it sounds so strange."
@ant-fella
“Oh god, I was a bit of the same way back with the entity,” she scoffed. “I’ve always had a sweet spot for kids.”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s easy to do when they’re here. Most of them show up without a parent. What else am I supposed to do other than give them one?”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Fair enough. That reminds me, actually, and I apologize for killing the mood, but I might as well talk about it now, since I haven't had a good opportunity to yet."
*She considered her words carefully for a while, looking between Manny and Glory.*
"What does the name 'Invicta' mean to either of you?"
@ant-fella
Glory stiffened and eyes were practically pin points.
“Why?”
Pure an utter terror dripped from her tone. It was something primal that she couldn’t pin down.
“Evelyn, where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes never faltered from her but they did glaze over, heart beat pounding as a video replayed in her mind.
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Glory.*
“It just means invincible in Latin. Glory, what’s wrong?”
*Evelyn sighed, smile strained.*
"A child showed up at home a few days before I met you, Glory. A bat child. I helped it clean up because it was dirty. A few nights later, I caught a man as he was hunting it. He was the one that said the name, and then I killed him."
@ant-fella
She was completely frozen and eyes flickering over to the door. No, she couldn’t break through it. She’s tried that before.
Trapped. She couldn’t leave here. She couldn’t do anything.
Glory’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she took a step back, nearly stumbling. She picked at her cuticles and shook her head.
“Get away from that kid Evelyn.”
It was practically a growl.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. Explain.”
"I already have gotten away from it."
@ant-fella
“Manny, I don’t know how much I can say.”
She glanced to the door.
“Leave. Please, I’m not trying to be rude but I need you to leave.”
She was shaking. There was no way for her to escape but there was still ways to avoid.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. I’ve never met this kid. If you say they’re bad, they’re bad. I trust you.”
"...Alright. I'm sorry. I should see if Naga is ready to cut her head off, anyway. See what the children are up to."
*Evelyn kissed Manny goodbye and stood up, face neutral and pulling at a chunk of her hair as she left the enclosure.*
@ant-fella
She was hit with a wave of guilt at Evelyn’s clear distress. Glory crossed her arms and glanced away. She was disgusting.
“I’m sorry..”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s okay. I get it. Just… what can you tell me safely?”
Glory sat down and placed her hands into her lap. She glanced up at Manny before shuffling closer. Making herself not so skittish was still on her mind even as she felt like she was about to pass out.
“I…I don’t know why I remembered that name so vividly. My body just reacted. Invicta is…someone I don’t know if I actually know. The kid I know…well,” she explained it like poison on her tongue.
“Did the kid hurt you in some way?”
Her stare was far away from here as she tensed. Glory held her tongue, balling her knees up to her chest. She just stared at the grass like the most interesting thing in the world.
Anthony looked more like a corpse than a person. His eyes were exhausted and hardly glancing at anything as he strolled into the lobby. He had the stench of BO and his locs looked like they needed a retwist about a week ago. Anthony was already in a smaller frame but he had lost some weight, jeans hanging much looser on their hips.
An ant was on their shoulder, whispering something in English. They sounded vaguely encouraging as he plopped down at a table, eyes glazed over and distant
-🐜 ( @ant-fella )
*He needs help*
*But the ants*
*But he needs help*
*But my leg*
*But Anthony needs help.*
*I crouch down next to him, so he doesn't have to move his head to see me. Please don't recognize me* "...Anthony?"
Anthony hardly reacted. He was making eye contact but the only acknowledgement was the slight eyebrow raise of confusion. From expression alone, they didn’t seem to recognize Jackson.
The ant waved one of its tiny arms and didn’t seem to recognize him either, smiling politely. Helm didn’t know how he knew Anthony but it was glad that they had another friend!
Anthony? What's going on? What got ya into this state?
He began tearing up, eyes instantly going down. Anthony knew that going out of his room was an awful idea. He was just being dumb.
Helm shuffled side to side, clearly not doing too well itself but trying to hold it together. When it spoke, it was unlike any of the squeaking. No, it was perfect English.
“The rest of the colony died…exploded. I was the only one left…”
It had to be his voice no matter how much it wanted to cry. It just wanted to lay down and die with the rest of them. It didn’t deserve to survive.
*Some deep, sick, destructive part of me is glad that ants died. The things that tortured my father, stole my leg, and left long scars down my torso. But... never at the expense of Anthony* Jesus fuck.
“Mhm…”
He was sobbing. Fully sobbing. His eyes were far away from this lobby. He was reliving every memory he had left of them from the worst to the best. Every bit meant so much knowing he would never get it back.
The ant crawled off his shoulder and grabbed a napkin, nudging it to Anthony. He didn’t even response to the stimuli. He was too far gone.
*I pull him into my arms on the bar floor, rocking back and forth gently* Take your time, kiddo.
He clings on for dear life, words impossible but weeps coming easy. No matter how many tears were spilled, none were enough to clear the weight surrounding him or the pit in his stomach. The only thing he thought could do that was a Time Machine, not crying into a stranger’s arms.
Helm followed and crawled onto Jackson’s shoulder, still holding the napkin. The kid’s voice was hesitant and barely above a whisper.
“Who are you..?”
*The all encompassing grief. It's something I know far too well. The years I spent just drifting, doing my "job" and nothing more, no aim or goal or home. I barely remember them.*
I'm Jackson. One of the Managers kids. *The one who started all of this.* And you?
He just wanted them back. That was all. That’s all that could fix this. Anthony just lost his entire family, those who stuck by his side no matter what, and he felt like death. He should’ve gone with them.
“Im Helm and you already know this is Anthony. Uhm…how do you know each other?” Because Anthony didn’t seem to know him.
Helm tensed. One of The Manager’s kids. The who was responsible for the slaughter of his kind.
...We met when Anthony first got here, but not for very long, it makes sense he doesn't remember me.
*I don't have reassuring words for Anthony. There were none that could have been offered when the only family I had for 10 years was buried in the red clay. There are none that can do anything now.*
“I just want them back,” he muttered between hics and sobs.
Helm skittered back over to Anthony’s shoulder to try and support it. The kid was struggling with this itself, mini face contorted, but it had to push on. It couldn’t allow itself to fall behind. It had to help.
“I know..we both do, it’s okay.”
I know. There isn't a day that passes where I don't miss him. *My hands may be covered, but I can still feel the echo of his grief in my own emotions.*
Anthony glanced up, questioning his choice of words silently. Helm did the same with a tilted head as he finally got Anthony to take the napkin and wipe his nose.
It's... nothing. Sorry.
Anthony let it go, too intertwined in his own mind to do much else. Helm chose to push a tad.
“Am I allowed to ask what you mean?”
This ant seemed very different than the ones who chose to aid in cutting off his leg.
*It's... so small. And clearly alone in whatever has happened. Anthony was once teeming with life.*
My... father. He passed when I was a teenager and he was all I had. All I want is one more day with him. Just the second to say "I love you" one last time.
“I’m so sorry for your loss…”
Anthony cried more at that. That was lol he wanted. At the very least, he wanted one last day before they could pass peacefully. One more day to spend with them and say all the words left unspoken.
...I can't say it gets easier. It doesn't. There are days where I can't see anything good in the world without him. But I keep living. Because that's what he'd want me to do.
It's what they need you to do.
TW SUICIDAL IDEATION
“I just want to join them…” he buried his head into Jackson’s shoulder.
Anthony felt frail, both physically and emotionally. One thing falling out of place in his life would devastate him beyond belief.
Helm glanced away. It did too. It shouldn’t have survived. What made it special?
...me too.
“Huh..?”
He felt so alone in this like no one would connect. Anthony thought he couldn’t fine anyone who would even understand.
Only thing that kept me alive was the animals I had started collecting. If I died, no one 'ld care for em.
That was all I had, and even then, there were days that while fighting I thought I'd die... and I couldn't bring myself to care. Even now... I'd be lying if I said I cared too much about dying.
If I die, I'll end up here.
“I don’t know where their souls ended up. I hope somewhere peaceful. When I die, I don’t know if I want to go here. I think I’d just want to fade away and at best, finally find my home. Find the people that are like me. Find my parents.”
“I don’t think either of care about dying at this point.”
It'd be nice to fade like that. Just... dissolve into nothing. No worries. none of the heaviness.
But I have siblings now. and a squirrel. and a coyote. and a horse. that ain't even counting the people older than me. Lotta people would be plenty mad if I tried to move on so soon. And you've got yer little rider with you. Both of you need to survive, even if it's hell.
“Or we just die together…”
He grumbled. That would be easy. They both fade into nothing before any of the eggs in his blood can hatch.
Helm hesitated then…nodded in agreement. That would be nice…
Nope. Not an option. you made friends here with some people I really care about, and you dying'll hurt them. I don't let people hurt my family.
His voice cracked, “Is it wrong to say I don’t care?”
He normally did. He cared about making everyone happy and caring for them. Anthony loved basically everyone, or at least tried to but now, that was gone. It felt selfish but he just wanted to choose himself.
No. Means you got boundaries. I wish I could stop caring, let people sort out their own shit. But if I did, then I wouldn't be sitting here.
“I don’t want to be sitting here. Not one bit of me wants to be but I’m trying,” he clung to him tighter.
“I’m trying so hard but I can’t..I can’t do this anymore. I’m just tired.”
Not a tired from a lack of sleep. Emotionally exhausted. Tired of everything to the very concept of living.
You ever held a squirrel before?
He blinked, “…no?”
Helm perked up.
*I lift my hat, pulling JJ out from underneath while he blinks. He was having a nap* I gotta point to this. Meet JJ, Jessie James.
Anthony smiled slightly and reached out his hands to take JJ. Helm skittered lower down his arm to investigate.
*JJ is more than used to being handled at this point, he lives for the attention. He chitters softly while looking up at Anthony* You can pet him.
Anthony nodded and gently pet his head. His nails tenderly ran along his fur as a smile tugged at his cheeks.
“You’re just a cutie pie, aren’t you?”
Helm chose to come closer, crawling onto the hand Anthony was using to pet him. It glanced up at Jackson, hesitant.
“Am I allowed to crawl inside..?”
*That nightmare. The reality I almost lived myself. The ants pouring out of every orfice...*
I uh... Don't think he'd much like that. Sorry.
“I just want to be able to explore. It won’t hurt at all.”
Anthony just hummed in agreement.
“It’s not that scary. I’ll be careful.”
“Done under the right control, it really doesn’t feel like much.”
I- I'm sure you are... B-but I can't
I just can't.
He's my best friend.
Helm squeaked, concerned about the change in volume instantly. They skittered onto Jackson’s hand and placed a tiny, apologetic kiss onto his skin. He could partially feel the needle-like teeth brushing against him on accident, offering less comfort than what was originally intended.
“Sorry, sorry, I promise I won’t! JJ just seems really nice and I was curious. Im younger so I haven’t really explored many body systems yet.”
*I can almost feel the phantom pain of the bites I took forever to let heal. Almost.*
"I- Please, I know you aren't trying to hurt... but someone else is. Someone wants to, so bad. And I'm so scared they'll use you to do it. Please."
“I..don’t understand..?”
It was genuine confusion. Anthony shared the same expression, pausing his petting to glance at Jackson.
Good. You shouldn't have to.
“No, no, I need to know.”
The kid’s voice was a tad frantic, eyes squinted as if trying to fill in a major gap of the puzzle in his mind. Anthony didn’t have the energy to properly argue but he nodded.
You'll hate me. Both of you. With good reason.
And I'm scared your god will hurt you for knowing.
“No, we won’t! I pinky promise,” it stared at its legs.
It didn’t have a pinky.
“I promise!” It corrected.
The next voice was one of pure confusion and borderline terror, “Jackson, we don’t have a god.”
Anthony... your ant's are not ants. what do you think they are?
Helm, do you know what you are a part of?
*This could kill them both. What if the Entity targets them just for this little bit of information. I know how unfeeling it is for Anthony's body, treating it as a disposable breeding ground.*
“I know they’re not ants but we both have no clue what they are. It’s like how I also don’t know my species. I’m just me,” his fear didn’t settle in his tone.
“I’m apart of the colony..?”
The Entity, the ants... and you... are all the same. Different parts of a whole. The Entity itself... it wanted to take my body as penance. It has tortured my father, tormented my little sibling, and taken my leg. It will not be happy until I am dead because of what I've done.
“No…I’m..I’m my own person,” his voice was barely a whisper.
All at once, his hands didn’t feel like his own. He may be petting JJ but that wasn’t him. It was like watching a movie and his limbs felt off. Too large? Too small of hands? His mind was blending it all together.
Helm had to hold it together. It had no choice.
“What did you do..?”
This wasn’t real.
You are. I never said you arent. I am of Yog Sothoth, but I am me.
I shouldn't have told you. I shouldnt have... jesus I'm sorry. *the only thing stopping me from forcing my head between my legs is Helm*
*I cant answer them*
Anthony’s reaction was more forceful than anything he’s done so far. It was still minimal at best, like seeing a tiny dog bark at you and you know it can’t really do anything.
“You’re fine!” But he was still kind. “Just..tell me. I need to know.”
He placed JJ closer to Jackson, hoping to offer some form of comfort and familiarity.
I SHOT YOU!
*I feel like I've been hunted down and skinned for everything I held inside.*
*It all feels so much worse now. Even more than in the desert, on my knees tell the Entity to take my life. It's all so heavy.*
He blinked and then scanned over his body once. No new scars or marks he couldn’t remember.
“…No…you didn’t?”
Helm’s face was similar, if not the same as it tried to recall anything similar to that. Nope, nothing.
No, no.. you don't remember. That's the point. I cant tell who it's supposed to torture the most, but it doesn't want you to remember. But ask my father, ask Daisy! I ran to her for help after I realized you were a real person, not an inhabited corpse.
“Why wouldn’t I remember any of this?”
This wasn’t real at all. No, he had to be dreaming. Everything since their death was all just an elaborate hallucination, maybe?
“Anthony, breathe…”
He hadn’t even realized how he was beginning to hyperventilate, heart pounding as his body sent adrenaline coursing. Helm was shaking as well but Anthony only have it left. It couldn’t freak out even as it wanted to curl up.
“I don’t have a god. I never have had a god. I didn’t get shot and I don’t know what you’re talking about. Why wouldn’t I remember?”
Tears were brimming once more.
I'd reckon it's for this very moment. A sick, twisted, waiting game. The pay off being this very moment.
His hands went from JJ to their nails, picking at the cuticles with little care for if he may bleed from it. Helm crawled over and tried to get him to stop to no avail.
“I don’t get it,” he shook, lump in his throat from trying not to entirely break down.
“This makes no sense and I did nothing wrong. I just want it to all stop. I’m so tired.”
*JJ retreats to me, unsure on what to do anymore either. My only thought is to pull one wrist away from the other*
That's why it wants me dead. You did nothing wrong. I shot you, an innocent man, out of fear. It's why I would have let it kill me. It's why I lost my leg. Because I tried to kill you instead of save you.
Because I am a monster.
He allows himself to be led like a ragdoll. There was no use in fighting.
“But why me? Why would you want to hurt anyone in general rather than move on with forgiveness? I don’t get it.”
Helm kissed his hand, trying to give some reassurance.
“You’re not a monster at all. You made a mistake. That happens!”
A mistake that would have killed you if you were more human! The ants and Daisy are the only reason your alive!
“Well, I made it out alive now so we dont have to worry about it,” he laughed but there was no humor in it.
“I just need to figure out what the fuck is going on with me…am I in danger?”
If I fucking knew, I'd tell ya!
Anthony looked on the verge of breaking down completely and that was Helm’s sign to step in.
“Tell us everything, please.”
Pure desperation.
I can't. I can't tell you everything. But I know someone who should be able to tell you what I don't know.
“Please.”
They were about to cry. Both of them.
*I pull Anthony out from under the table, letting him lean on me if needed, while I walk to my fathers office, knocking on the door*
"Dad?"
@waylay-managment-2
“Come in!”
*I lead Anthony in behind me. I know I must look grave to them, and with Anthony beside me this looks like a worst case scenario*
I... need your help answering questions.
@ant-fella
Anthony has had better days. He smelled of BO and looked like he hadn’t showered in a while. His clothes were wrinkly with all light from his eyes gone.
Both Helm and Anthony tensed upon seeing The Manager, the man that murdered The Colony. He even looked on the verge of sprinting out as he protectively held Helm in his hands.
“Them?”
That’s who he chose to help?
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Anthony and their mouth set in a line.*
“Jackson, I may not be the best person to come too. For Anthony’s sake.”
@twelve-starry-eyes
Dad I don't know who else to ask. He doesn't remember anything.
@ant-fella
“I don’t care if I like you.”
He commited one of the few crimes he can’t forgive.
“You know what happened. You tell me. We move on with our lives.”
@waylay-managment-2
“What do you want to know?”
What is the Entity. Why doesn't Anthony know it and him are connected? That the ants are part of it? Why did it take his memories of what I did to him? *I squeeze Anthony's hand. I know my father. I know that he won't hurt someone without reason and I wont let a reason become reality*
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked up at them both, their eyes were wet.*
“The entity is the thing that took Jackson’s leg, and if I explain more, I don’t know what it will do to you.”
Anthony squeezes his hand back, desperate for any form of comfort. His breath is shaky, trying desperately to stay calm.
“Tell me. I deserve to know.”
It also took Evelyns arm and horns. And it hurt my little sibling, Wil.
It sees you as... replaceable, Anthony. I showed me your corpse and used your voice over and over to try and break me.
@waylay-managment-2
“You deserve to know. And I will tell you as soon as I know it won’t kill you for knowing.”
“I don’t care if I die anymore. Tell. Me. It’s the last thing you can do after your slaughter.”
They’d join their friends and family after all.
It turned to Jackson, “Thank you for being an ounce of cooperative.”
@twelve-starry-eyes
I think we're all trying. Just also wanting to keep you alive.
*The pieces have already clicked for me.*
*my only question will be why.*
@waylay-managment-2
“They will kill you the moment I start talking.”
“Let them kill me. Let them bring me with my friends and family but if I’m going to die, let know die knowing what’s going on. Besides, there’s wards against them no, isn’t there?”
How..did he know that?
@twelve-starry-eyes
Anthony! You don't get it, when someone in the waylay dies, it hurts this entire pocket dimension and my little sibling. I'm not willing to trade your life when it's compleatly avoidable, especially when I don't want to see Wil hurt as well.
I don't want to think about the toll it would take on them.
*I still think of Yves*
As for the Wards... that isn't my business. That is The Managers business and no one elses, Anthony.
@waylay-managment-2
“The wards can’t stop them from killing you remotely.”
@ant-fella
“Not my business? So, it’s not my business to know what the fuck is happening TO ME? To know why I can’t remember most of my life and now I’m being told all of this stuff that I supposedly did that makes zero sense? Yeah, because that’s TOTALLY not my business,” he threw his hands up in exasperation.
“Take me out of here and into some place I won’t impact the waylay. I just need to know.”
He sounded furious but above all, it was desperation, grief, and distress. He didn’t want to hurt anyone. He was just terrified.
@twelve-starry-eyes
Anthony, I know you and Helm don't care about if you live or die... but I do.
Dad... is there any middle ground here?
@waylay-managment-2
“The middle ground is that Rosa is currently investigating the entity and I am as well, but if it impacts anyone again I’m going to brute force my way into making it stop, and after I do that I will happily explain everything.”
@ant-fella
He stiffened.
“Will anyone get hurt in the process of that?”
Helm blinked and they could practically see the light bulb ignite, “I could be a spy in the investigation!”
@twelve-starry-eyes
They ain't gonna hurt no one if they don't have to, Anthony.
@waylay-managment-2
“Correct. I only plan on making it scared enough of me to do what I say. I won’t even hurt the entity if I don’t have to.”
@ant-fella
He hummed in consideration. Helm shuffled around again. Did anyone hear it? It wanted to help!
“I could be a spy..?”
It repeated, less certain and more dejected.
@twelve-starry-eyes
Glory chuckled, “Holy shit, I see what Naga means by you two sounding insane sometimes. I mean, I get it, you’re not human but geez. No judgement but people typically don’t say that in front of a third wheel.”
She began on the second braid.
“We refuse to be silenced by friendship.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"We don't have any sort of filter. It's also a good reason why we're not having a public wedding. If you think this is bad, imagine what we'd say for our vows."
@ant-fella
“No, because now I’m curious what your vows theoretically would be. Give me your best.”
@waylay-managment-2
*they took Evelyn’s hands.*
“I swear I will do anything for you. I would kill for you. Die for you. I would live for you through the worst pain in the world. As long as I get to see your face again.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*She took a deep breath to prepare for a big speech, then paused.*
"How lucky am I?"
@ant-fella
“Awww, that’s actually really sweet. I think that’d be socially appropriate at a wedding but I may not be the best gauge of that.”
A memory came to mind. One with Evelyn she nearly forgot. The way she glanced at Evelyn when she asked was with a moment of hesitation before she brushed it off.
“Yeah, you’re lucky.”
@waylay-managment-2
“You can’t ask how lucky you are in your vows, people won’t answer.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Have you ever heard of something called a 'rhetorical question'?"
*Evelyn flicked their forehead. She looked back at Glory, silently asking if she was okay.*
@ant-fella
She didn’t respond, just working on the final braid. It would likely have to be a conversation brought up later. Glory didn’t want to ruin the mood whatsoever.
“Hey, I’ll answer so long as I’m there! Give me a script and I’ll answer any question.”
@waylay-managment-2
“I’lo proof read your best woman speech.”
"I fear this conversation is making you want to plan a wedding, love. That's not to say I'm annoyed by it, but I do like our original plan better."
@ant-fella
She perked up with a giant goofy grin, “You’d let me be your best woman?”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course I would! And Evelyn, yes, I’d love to plan a wedding. And then we both never show up and elope at a courthouse with Glory as a witness and then we run away together to the Antarctic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Our wedding night, on the same day as the fake one, consisting of dressing up nice and eating dinner in my room, on the floor, with no one else but each other. Very romantic."
@ant-fella
“I’d HAPPILY be your witness. I’d have my best woman speech planned and everything so you can have that ounce of an experience. I also just want to write one to be honest. I think it’d be sweet,” she tied off the last braid with a smile.
“That sounds amazing.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well, you can absolutely write one.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"...Would people be upset if we invited them to a wedding we never show up to? No one really knows who I am, but I don't want them to not like me."
@ant-fella
“Nah, just tell them to go along with it. Warn them beforehand and bring good food and alcohol. Most people really look forward to that stuff.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Also, a lot of people know you. I tell them how amazing you are.”
"They don't know me personally, though. I could be different from their expectations. But I'm not sure. It could be fun to mess with everyone."
@ant-fella
“You’re pretty likable, I’ll tell you that. Besides, if they can’t take a joke when they’re explicitly warned this is what you’re doing, that’s on them. It’s your wedding day. That day is for you.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Exactly. Plus they still get to have a party.”
"Mmm. Alright. I'm not going to be the one to invite anyone, though. I don't know anyone well enough for that."
@ant-fella
“You know me!” She chirped. “You better invite me.”
Glory finished the braids completely and it was a complete display of rainbow floral all carefully braided into their hair. It stood out nicely against their pristine white suit.
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course we will.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That was a given. I can't decide, though, if planning a wedding we won't attend will end up being more or less stressful than if we were to be there."
@ant-fella
“Just plan some food and music mainly,” she shrugged. “That seems like the most important parts to me. I always loved the music to most.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well we have to get Vic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*Evelyn raised an eyebrow, smile teasing.*
"So you won't hear him perform?"
@ant-fella
“Who is Vic?”
@waylay-managment-2
“My favorite musician of all time who preforms from 9-10 every night because it’s my restaurant and I can do what I want.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"You should really take that approach to more things in life."
*Evelyn has decided to keep her opinions to herself.*
@ant-fella
She hesitated but smiled slightly when asking, “can I listen to them..? Watch them perform, I mean. I remember seeing the lobby and it was always so active and I feel like it’d be amazing.”
…but didn’t she say never to let her out?
@waylay-managment-2
“I can probably get you a portable cell so you could see out. Like a cat carrier. You’d have to be in bird form though.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Perhaps it could use magic to let you see everything, but only let people see you if you want them to. Make it bigger and more comfortable on the inside than it looks on the outside.."
*She started to hum as she thought out the possibilities.*
@ant-fella
Cage. That would be like a cramped cage…but she couldn’t complain about a gift. She couldn’t complain even if she imagined when she couldn’t even open her wings an inch.
She shook her head free of her spiral.
“That’d be really nice. We could go listen and maybe get a drink? I don’t mind people seeing me but could you make the inside feel bigger maybe…? Not to be needy of course! Im okay with whichever you give me!”
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh, absolutely! I wouldn’t want you to feel claustrophobic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That'd be basic decency on our part. It also brings up a question: if we're not there, as originally planned, who'll be there to carry you, dear Glory?"
@ant-fella
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, pupils dilated before she glanced back down. Wrong. No. Bad. Can’t.
“I uh…I don’t know. I think you two are the only ones I feel comfortable with in case shit hits the fan…I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me because I’m paranoid though. I can always just stay in here.”
The same walls. The same perches. Even if it was nice, it’d drive anyone insane to see the same over and over again.
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh nonsense. I can happily do it! Besides, I like showing people around.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Giving tours might as well be a hobby of theirs. At this point, I think it is."
@ant-fella
“Really? Why do you like it so much?”
She perked up once more.
@waylay-managment-2
“I like showing off my handiwork! And, I also like showing off my wonderful children, and The Waylay is one of them.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Oh! Speaking of, Jackson said to me that Wil would be happy to help plan our wedding. Even if we're only focusing on food and music, I'm sure it'd love to contribute."
@ant-fella
She smiled, “I’d love to meet Wil as well. We could talk over a late night snack while Vic plays in the lobby. It’s just a thought.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That reminds me that I've yet to meet Wil. I've yet to meet a lot of your children, actually. I'd say that adopting children is also a hobby of yours, and it's technically true, but it sounds so strange."
@ant-fella
“Oh god, I was a bit of the same way back with the entity,” she scoffed. “I’ve always had a sweet spot for kids.”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s easy to do when they’re here. Most of them show up without a parent. What else am I supposed to do other than give them one?”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Fair enough. That reminds me, actually, and I apologize for killing the mood, but I might as well talk about it now, since I haven't had a good opportunity to yet."
*She considered her words carefully for a while, looking between Manny and Glory.*
"What does the name 'Invicta' mean to either of you?"
@ant-fella
Glory stiffened and eyes were practically pin points.
“Why?”
Pure an utter terror dripped from her tone. It was something primal that she couldn’t pin down.
“Evelyn, where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes never faltered from her but they did glaze over, heart beat pounding as a video replayed in her mind.
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Glory.*
“It just means invincible in Latin. Glory, what’s wrong?”
*Evelyn sighed, smile strained.*
"A child showed up at home a few days before I met you, Glory. A bat child. I helped it clean up because it was dirty. A few nights later, I caught a man as he was hunting it. He was the one that said the name, and then I killed him."
@ant-fella
She was completely frozen and eyes flickering over to the door. No, she couldn’t break through it. She’s tried that before.
Trapped. She couldn’t leave here. She couldn’t do anything.
Glory’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she took a step back, nearly stumbling. She picked at her cuticles and shook her head.
“Get away from that kid Evelyn.”
It was practically a growl.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. Explain.”
"I already have gotten away from it."
@ant-fella
“Manny, I don’t know how much I can say.”
She glanced to the door.
“Leave. Please, I’m not trying to be rude but I need you to leave.”
She was shaking. There was no way for her to escape but there was still ways to avoid.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. I’ve never met this kid. If you say they’re bad, they’re bad. I trust you.”
"...Alright. I'm sorry. I should see if Naga is ready to cut her head off, anyway. See what the children are up to."
*Evelyn kissed Manny goodbye and stood up, face neutral and pulling at a chunk of her hair as she left the enclosure.*
@ant-fella
She was hit with a wave of guilt at Evelyn’s clear distress. Glory crossed her arms and glanced away. She was disgusting.
“I’m sorry..”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s okay. I get it. Just… what can you tell me safely?”
Glory sat down and placed her hands into her lap. She glanced up at Manny before shuffling closer. Making herself not so skittish was still on her mind even as she felt like she was about to pass out.
“I…I don’t know why I remembered that name so vividly. My body just reacted. Invicta is…someone I don’t know if I actually know. The kid I know…well,” she explained it like poison on her tongue.
Glory chuckled, “Holy shit, I see what Naga means by you two sounding insane sometimes. I mean, I get it, you’re not human but geez. No judgement but people typically don’t say that in front of a third wheel.”
She began on the second braid.
“We refuse to be silenced by friendship.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"We don't have any sort of filter. It's also a good reason why we're not having a public wedding. If you think this is bad, imagine what we'd say for our vows."
@ant-fella
“No, because now I’m curious what your vows theoretically would be. Give me your best.”
@waylay-managment-2
*they took Evelyn’s hands.*
“I swear I will do anything for you. I would kill for you. Die for you. I would live for you through the worst pain in the world. As long as I get to see your face again.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*She took a deep breath to prepare for a big speech, then paused.*
"How lucky am I?"
@ant-fella
“Awww, that’s actually really sweet. I think that’d be socially appropriate at a wedding but I may not be the best gauge of that.”
A memory came to mind. One with Evelyn she nearly forgot. The way she glanced at Evelyn when she asked was with a moment of hesitation before she brushed it off.
“Yeah, you’re lucky.”
@waylay-managment-2
“You can’t ask how lucky you are in your vows, people won’t answer.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Have you ever heard of something called a 'rhetorical question'?"
*Evelyn flicked their forehead. She looked back at Glory, silently asking if she was okay.*
@ant-fella
She didn’t respond, just working on the final braid. It would likely have to be a conversation brought up later. Glory didn’t want to ruin the mood whatsoever.
“Hey, I’ll answer so long as I’m there! Give me a script and I’ll answer any question.”
@waylay-managment-2
“I’lo proof read your best woman speech.”
"I fear this conversation is making you want to plan a wedding, love. That's not to say I'm annoyed by it, but I do like our original plan better."
@ant-fella
She perked up with a giant goofy grin, “You’d let me be your best woman?”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course I would! And Evelyn, yes, I’d love to plan a wedding. And then we both never show up and elope at a courthouse with Glory as a witness and then we run away together to the Antarctic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Our wedding night, on the same day as the fake one, consisting of dressing up nice and eating dinner in my room, on the floor, with no one else but each other. Very romantic."
@ant-fella
“I’d HAPPILY be your witness. I’d have my best woman speech planned and everything so you can have that ounce of an experience. I also just want to write one to be honest. I think it’d be sweet,” she tied off the last braid with a smile.
“That sounds amazing.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well, you can absolutely write one.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"...Would people be upset if we invited them to a wedding we never show up to? No one really knows who I am, but I don't want them to not like me."
@ant-fella
“Nah, just tell them to go along with it. Warn them beforehand and bring good food and alcohol. Most people really look forward to that stuff.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Also, a lot of people know you. I tell them how amazing you are.”
"They don't know me personally, though. I could be different from their expectations. But I'm not sure. It could be fun to mess with everyone."
@ant-fella
“You’re pretty likable, I’ll tell you that. Besides, if they can’t take a joke when they’re explicitly warned this is what you’re doing, that’s on them. It’s your wedding day. That day is for you.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Exactly. Plus they still get to have a party.”
"Mmm. Alright. I'm not going to be the one to invite anyone, though. I don't know anyone well enough for that."
@ant-fella
“You know me!” She chirped. “You better invite me.”
Glory finished the braids completely and it was a complete display of rainbow floral all carefully braided into their hair. It stood out nicely against their pristine white suit.
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course we will.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That was a given. I can't decide, though, if planning a wedding we won't attend will end up being more or less stressful than if we were to be there."
@ant-fella
“Just plan some food and music mainly,” she shrugged. “That seems like the most important parts to me. I always loved the music to most.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Well we have to get Vic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
*Evelyn raised an eyebrow, smile teasing.*
"So you won't hear him perform?"
@ant-fella
“Who is Vic?”
@waylay-managment-2
“My favorite musician of all time who preforms from 9-10 every night because it’s my restaurant and I can do what I want.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"You should really take that approach to more things in life."
*Evelyn has decided to keep her opinions to herself.*
@ant-fella
She hesitated but smiled slightly when asking, “can I listen to them..? Watch them perform, I mean. I remember seeing the lobby and it was always so active and I feel like it’d be amazing.”
…but didn’t she say never to let her out?
@waylay-managment-2
“I can probably get you a portable cell so you could see out. Like a cat carrier. You’d have to be in bird form though.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Perhaps it could use magic to let you see everything, but only let people see you if you want them to. Make it bigger and more comfortable on the inside than it looks on the outside.."
*She started to hum as she thought out the possibilities.*
@ant-fella
Cage. That would be like a cramped cage…but she couldn’t complain about a gift. She couldn’t complain even if she imagined when she couldn’t even open her wings an inch.
She shook her head free of her spiral.
“That’d be really nice. We could go listen and maybe get a drink? I don’t mind people seeing me but could you make the inside feel bigger maybe…? Not to be needy of course! Im okay with whichever you give me!”
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh, absolutely! I wouldn’t want you to feel claustrophobic.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That'd be basic decency on our part. It also brings up a question: if we're not there, as originally planned, who'll be there to carry you, dear Glory?"
@ant-fella
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, pupils dilated before she glanced back down. Wrong. No. Bad. Can’t.
“I uh…I don’t know. I think you two are the only ones I feel comfortable with in case shit hits the fan…I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me because I’m paranoid though. I can always just stay in here.”
The same walls. The same perches. Even if it was nice, it’d drive anyone insane to see the same over and over again.
@waylay-managment-2
“Oh nonsense. I can happily do it! Besides, I like showing people around.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Giving tours might as well be a hobby of theirs. At this point, I think it is."
@ant-fella
“Really? Why do you like it so much?”
She perked up once more.
@waylay-managment-2
“I like showing off my handiwork! And, I also like showing off my wonderful children, and The Waylay is one of them.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Oh! Speaking of, Jackson said to me that Wil would be happy to help plan our wedding. Even if we're only focusing on food and music, I'm sure it'd love to contribute."
@ant-fella
She smiled, “I’d love to meet Wil as well. We could talk over a late night snack while Vic plays in the lobby. It’s just a thought.”
@waylay-managment-2
“Of course.”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"That reminds me that I've yet to meet Wil. I've yet to meet a lot of your children, actually. I'd say that adopting children is also a hobby of yours, and it's technically true, but it sounds so strange."
@ant-fella
“Oh god, I was a bit of the same way back with the entity,” she scoffed. “I’ve always had a sweet spot for kids.”
@waylay-managment-2
“It’s easy to do when they’re here. Most of them show up without a parent. What else am I supposed to do other than give them one?”
@soaring-the-icy-skies
"Fair enough. That reminds me, actually, and I apologize for killing the mood, but I might as well talk about it now, since I haven't had a good opportunity to yet."
*She considered her words carefully for a while, looking between Manny and Glory.*
"What does the name 'Invicta' mean to either of you?"
@ant-fella
Glory stiffened and eyes were practically pin points.
“Why?”
Pure an utter terror dripped from her tone. It was something primal that she couldn’t pin down.
“Evelyn, where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes never faltered from her but they did glaze over, heart beat pounding as a video replayed in her mind.
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Glory.*
“It just means invincible in Latin. Glory, what’s wrong?”
*Evelyn sighed, smile strained.*
"A child showed up at home a few days before I met you, Glory. A bat child. I helped it clean up because it was dirty. A few nights later, I caught a man as he was hunting it. He was the one that said the name, and then I killed him."
@ant-fella
She was completely frozen and eyes flickering over to the door. No, she couldn’t break through it. She’s tried that before.
Trapped. She couldn’t leave here. She couldn’t do anything.
Glory’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she took a step back, nearly stumbling. She picked at her cuticles and shook her head.
“Get away from that kid Evelyn.”
It was practically a growl.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. Explain.”
"I already have gotten away from it."
@ant-fella
“Manny, I don’t know how much I can say.”
She glanced to the door.
“Leave. Please, I’m not trying to be rude but I need you to leave.”
She was shaking. There was no way for her to escape but there was still ways to avoid.
@waylay-managment-2
“Glory. I’ve never met this kid. If you say they’re bad, they’re bad. I trust you.”
"...Alright. I'm sorry. I should see if Naga is ready to cut her head off, anyway. See what the children are up to."
*Evelyn kissed Manny goodbye and stood up, face neutral and pulling at a chunk of her hair as she left the enclosure.*
@ant-fella
She was hit with a wave of guilt at Evelyn’s clear distress. Glory crossed her arms and glanced away. She was disgusting.
“I’m sorry..”
@waylay-managment-2
Anthony looked more like a corpse than a person. His eyes were exhausted and hardly glancing at anything as he strolled into the lobby. He had the stench of BO and his locs looked like they needed a retwist about a week ago. Anthony was already in a smaller frame but he had lost some weight, jeans hanging much looser on their hips.
An ant was on their shoulder, whispering something in English. They sounded vaguely encouraging as he plopped down at a table, eyes glazed over and distant
-🐜 ( @ant-fella )
*He needs help*
*But the ants*
*But he needs help*
*But my leg*
*But Anthony needs help.*
*I crouch down next to him, so he doesn't have to move his head to see me. Please don't recognize me* "...Anthony?"
Anthony hardly reacted. He was making eye contact but the only acknowledgement was the slight eyebrow raise of confusion. From expression alone, they didn’t seem to recognize Jackson.
The ant waved one of its tiny arms and didn’t seem to recognize him either, smiling politely. Helm didn’t know how he knew Anthony but it was glad that they had another friend!
Anthony? What's going on? What got ya into this state?
He began tearing up, eyes instantly going down. Anthony knew that going out of his room was an awful idea. He was just being dumb.
Helm shuffled side to side, clearly not doing too well itself but trying to hold it together. When it spoke, it was unlike any of the squeaking. No, it was perfect English.
“The rest of the colony died…exploded. I was the only one left…”
It had to be his voice no matter how much it wanted to cry. It just wanted to lay down and die with the rest of them. It didn’t deserve to survive.
*Some deep, sick, destructive part of me is glad that ants died. The things that tortured my father, stole my leg, and left long scars down my torso. But... never at the expense of Anthony* Jesus fuck.
“Mhm…”
He was sobbing. Fully sobbing. His eyes were far away from this lobby. He was reliving every memory he had left of them from the worst to the best. Every bit meant so much knowing he would never get it back.
The ant crawled off his shoulder and grabbed a napkin, nudging it to Anthony. He didn’t even response to the stimuli. He was too far gone.
*I pull him into my arms on the bar floor, rocking back and forth gently* Take your time, kiddo.
He clings on for dear life, words impossible but weeps coming easy. No matter how many tears were spilled, none were enough to clear the weight surrounding him or the pit in his stomach. The only thing he thought could do that was a Time Machine, not crying into a stranger’s arms.
Helm followed and crawled onto Jackson’s shoulder, still holding the napkin. The kid’s voice was hesitant and barely above a whisper.
“Who are you..?”
*The all encompassing grief. It's something I know far too well. The years I spent just drifting, doing my "job" and nothing more, no aim or goal or home. I barely remember them.*
I'm Jackson. One of the Managers kids. *The one who started all of this.* And you?
He just wanted them back. That was all. That’s all that could fix this. Anthony just lost his entire family, those who stuck by his side no matter what, and he felt like death. He should’ve gone with them.
“Im Helm and you already know this is Anthony. Uhm…how do you know each other?” Because Anthony didn’t seem to know him.
Helm tensed. One of The Manager’s kids. The who was responsible for the slaughter of his kind.
...We met when Anthony first got here, but not for very long, it makes sense he doesn't remember me.
*I don't have reassuring words for Anthony. There were none that could have been offered when the only family I had for 10 years was buried in the red clay. There are none that can do anything now.*
“I just want them back,” he muttered between hics and sobs.
Helm skittered back over to Anthony’s shoulder to try and support it. The kid was struggling with this itself, mini face contorted, but it had to push on. It couldn’t allow itself to fall behind. It had to help.
“I know..we both do, it’s okay.”
I know. There isn't a day that passes where I don't miss him. *My hands may be covered, but I can still feel the echo of his grief in my own emotions.*
Anthony glanced up, questioning his choice of words silently. Helm did the same with a tilted head as he finally got Anthony to take the napkin and wipe his nose.
It's... nothing. Sorry.
Anthony let it go, too intertwined in his own mind to do much else. Helm chose to push a tad.
“Am I allowed to ask what you mean?”
This ant seemed very different than the ones who chose to aid in cutting off his leg.
*It's... so small. And clearly alone in whatever has happened. Anthony was once teeming with life.*
My... father. He passed when I was a teenager and he was all I had. All I want is one more day with him. Just the second to say "I love you" one last time.
“I’m so sorry for your loss…”
Anthony cried more at that. That was lol he wanted. At the very least, he wanted one last day before they could pass peacefully. One more day to spend with them and say all the words left unspoken.
...I can't say it gets easier. It doesn't. There are days where I can't see anything good in the world without him. But I keep living. Because that's what he'd want me to do.
It's what they need you to do.
TW SUICIDAL IDEATION
“I just want to join them…” he buried his head into Jackson’s shoulder.
Anthony felt frail, both physically and emotionally. One thing falling out of place in his life would devastate him beyond belief.
Helm glanced away. It did too. It shouldn’t have survived. What made it special?
...me too.
“Huh..?”
He felt so alone in this like no one would connect. Anthony thought he couldn’t fine anyone who would even understand.
Only thing that kept me alive was the animals I had started collecting. If I died, no one 'ld care for em.
That was all I had, and even then, there were days that while fighting I thought I'd die... and I couldn't bring myself to care. Even now... I'd be lying if I said I cared too much about dying.
If I die, I'll end up here.
“I don’t know where their souls ended up. I hope somewhere peaceful. When I die, I don’t know if I want to go here. I think I’d just want to fade away and at best, finally find my home. Find the people that are like me. Find my parents.”
“I don’t think either of care about dying at this point.”
It'd be nice to fade like that. Just... dissolve into nothing. No worries. none of the heaviness.
But I have siblings now. and a squirrel. and a coyote. and a horse. that ain't even counting the people older than me. Lotta people would be plenty mad if I tried to move on so soon. And you've got yer little rider with you. Both of you need to survive, even if it's hell.
“Or we just die together…”
He grumbled. That would be easy. They both fade into nothing before any of the eggs in his blood can hatch.
Helm hesitated then…nodded in agreement. That would be nice…
Nope. Not an option. you made friends here with some people I really care about, and you dying'll hurt them. I don't let people hurt my family.
His voice cracked, “Is it wrong to say I don’t care?”
He normally did. He cared about making everyone happy and caring for them. Anthony loved basically everyone, or at least tried to but now, that was gone. It felt selfish but he just wanted to choose himself.
No. Means you got boundaries. I wish I could stop caring, let people sort out their own shit. But if I did, then I wouldn't be sitting here.
“I don’t want to be sitting here. Not one bit of me wants to be but I’m trying,” he clung to him tighter.
“I’m trying so hard but I can’t..I can’t do this anymore. I’m just tired.”
Not a tired from a lack of sleep. Emotionally exhausted. Tired of everything to the very concept of living.
You ever held a squirrel before?
He blinked, “…no?”
Helm perked up.
*I lift my hat, pulling JJ out from underneath while he blinks. He was having a nap* I gotta point to this. Meet JJ, Jessie James.
Anthony smiled slightly and reached out his hands to take JJ. Helm skittered lower down his arm to investigate.
*JJ is more than used to being handled at this point, he lives for the attention. He chitters softly while looking up at Anthony* You can pet him.
Anthony nodded and gently pet his head. His nails tenderly ran along his fur as a smile tugged at his cheeks.
“You’re just a cutie pie, aren’t you?”
Helm chose to come closer, crawling onto the hand Anthony was using to pet him. It glanced up at Jackson, hesitant.
“Am I allowed to crawl inside..?”
*That nightmare. The reality I almost lived myself. The ants pouring out of every orfice...*
I uh... Don't think he'd much like that. Sorry.
“I just want to be able to explore. It won’t hurt at all.”
Anthony just hummed in agreement.
“It’s not that scary. I’ll be careful.”
“Done under the right control, it really doesn’t feel like much.”
I- I'm sure you are... B-but I can't
I just can't.
He's my best friend.
Helm squeaked, concerned about the change in volume instantly. They skittered onto Jackson’s hand and placed a tiny, apologetic kiss onto his skin. He could partially feel the needle-like teeth brushing against him on accident, offering less comfort than what was originally intended.
“Sorry, sorry, I promise I won’t! JJ just seems really nice and I was curious. Im younger so I haven’t really explored many body systems yet.”
*I can almost feel the phantom pain of the bites I took forever to let heal. Almost.*
"I- Please, I know you aren't trying to hurt... but someone else is. Someone wants to, so bad. And I'm so scared they'll use you to do it. Please."
“I..don’t understand..?”
It was genuine confusion. Anthony shared the same expression, pausing his petting to glance at Jackson.
Good. You shouldn't have to.
“No, no, I need to know.”
The kid’s voice was a tad frantic, eyes squinted as if trying to fill in a major gap of the puzzle in his mind. Anthony didn’t have the energy to properly argue but he nodded.
You'll hate me. Both of you. With good reason.
And I'm scared your god will hurt you for knowing.
“No, we won’t! I pinky promise,” it stared at its legs.
It didn’t have a pinky.
“I promise!” It corrected.
The next voice was one of pure confusion and borderline terror, “Jackson, we don’t have a god.”
Anthony... your ant's are not ants. what do you think they are?
Helm, do you know what you are a part of?
*This could kill them both. What if the Entity targets them just for this little bit of information. I know how unfeeling it is for Anthony's body, treating it as a disposable breeding ground.*
“I know they’re not ants but we both have no clue what they are. It’s like how I also don’t know my species. I’m just me,” his fear didn’t settle in his tone.
“I’m apart of the colony..?”
The Entity, the ants... and you... are all the same. Different parts of a whole. The Entity itself... it wanted to take my body as penance. It has tortured my father, tormented my little sibling, and taken my leg. It will not be happy until I am dead because of what I've done.
“No…I’m..I’m my own person,” his voice was barely a whisper.
All at once, his hands didn’t feel like his own. He may be petting JJ but that wasn’t him. It was like watching a movie and his limbs felt off. Too large? Too small of hands? His mind was blending it all together.
Helm had to hold it together. It had no choice.
“What did you do..?”
This wasn’t real.
You are. I never said you arent. I am of Yog Sothoth, but I am me.
I shouldn't have told you. I shouldnt have... jesus I'm sorry. *the only thing stopping me from forcing my head between my legs is Helm*
*I cant answer them*
Anthony’s reaction was more forceful than anything he’s done so far. It was still minimal at best, like seeing a tiny dog bark at you and you know it can’t really do anything.
“You’re fine!” But he was still kind. “Just..tell me. I need to know.”
He placed JJ closer to Jackson, hoping to offer some form of comfort and familiarity.
I SHOT YOU!
*I feel like I've been hunted down and skinned for everything I held inside.*
*It all feels so much worse now. Even more than in the desert, on my knees tell the Entity to take my life. It's all so heavy.*
He blinked and then scanned over his body once. No new scars or marks he couldn’t remember.
“…No…you didn’t?”
Helm’s face was similar, if not the same as it tried to recall anything similar to that. Nope, nothing.
No, no.. you don't remember. That's the point. I cant tell who it's supposed to torture the most, but it doesn't want you to remember. But ask my father, ask Daisy! I ran to her for help after I realized you were a real person, not an inhabited corpse.
“Why wouldn’t I remember any of this?”
This wasn’t real at all. No, he had to be dreaming. Everything since their death was all just an elaborate hallucination, maybe?
“Anthony, breathe…”
He hadn’t even realized how he was beginning to hyperventilate, heart pounding as his body sent adrenaline coursing. Helm was shaking as well but Anthony only have it left. It couldn’t freak out even as it wanted to curl up.
“I don’t have a god. I never have had a god. I didn’t get shot and I don’t know what you’re talking about. Why wouldn’t I remember?”
Tears were brimming once more.
I'd reckon it's for this very moment. A sick, twisted, waiting game. The pay off being this very moment.
His hands went from JJ to their nails, picking at the cuticles with little care for if he may bleed from it. Helm crawled over and tried to get him to stop to no avail.
“I don’t get it,” he shook, lump in his throat from trying not to entirely break down.
“This makes no sense and I did nothing wrong. I just want it to all stop. I’m so tired.”
*JJ retreats to me, unsure on what to do anymore either. My only thought is to pull one wrist away from the other*
That's why it wants me dead. You did nothing wrong. I shot you, an innocent man, out of fear. It's why I would have let it kill me. It's why I lost my leg. Because I tried to kill you instead of save you.
Because I am a monster.
He allows himself to be led like a ragdoll. There was no use in fighting.
“But why me? Why would you want to hurt anyone in general rather than move on with forgiveness? I don’t get it.”
Helm kissed his hand, trying to give some reassurance.
“You’re not a monster at all. You made a mistake. That happens!”
A mistake that would have killed you if you were more human! The ants and Daisy are the only reason your alive!
“Well, I made it out alive now so we dont have to worry about it,” he laughed but there was no humor in it.
“I just need to figure out what the fuck is going on with me…am I in danger?”
If I fucking knew, I'd tell ya!
Anthony looked on the verge of breaking down completely and that was Helm’s sign to step in.
“Tell us everything, please.”
Pure desperation.
I can't. I can't tell you everything. But I know someone who should be able to tell you what I don't know.
“Please.”
They were about to cry. Both of them.
*I pull Anthony out from under the table, letting him lean on me if needed, while I walk to my fathers office, knocking on the door*
"Dad?"
@waylay-managment-2
“Come in!”
*I lead Anthony in behind me. I know I must look grave to them, and with Anthony beside me this looks like a worst case scenario*
I... need your help answering questions.
@ant-fella
Anthony has had better days. He smelled of BO and looked like he hadn’t showered in a while. His clothes were wrinkly with all light from his eyes gone.
Both Helm and Anthony tensed upon seeing The Manager, the man that murdered The Colony. He even looked on the verge of sprinting out as he protectively held Helm in his hands.
“Them?”
That’s who he chose to help?
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked to Anthony and their mouth set in a line.*
“Jackson, I may not be the best person to come too. For Anthony’s sake.”
@twelve-starry-eyes
Dad I don't know who else to ask. He doesn't remember anything.
@ant-fella
“I don’t care if I like you.”
He commited one of the few crimes he can’t forgive.
“You know what happened. You tell me. We move on with our lives.”
@waylay-managment-2
“What do you want to know?”
What is the Entity. Why doesn't Anthony know it and him are connected? That the ants are part of it? Why did it take his memories of what I did to him? *I squeeze Anthony's hand. I know my father. I know that he won't hurt someone without reason and I wont let a reason become reality*
@waylay-managment-2
*they looked up at them both, their eyes were wet.*
“The entity is the thing that took Jackson’s leg, and if I explain more, I don’t know what it will do to you.”
Anthony squeezes his hand back, desperate for any form of comfort. His breath is shaky, trying desperately to stay calm.
“Tell me. I deserve to know.”
It also took Evelyns arm and horns. And it hurt my little sibling, Wil.
It sees you as... replaceable, Anthony. I showed me your corpse and used your voice over and over to try and break me.
@waylay-managment-2
“You deserve to know. And I will tell you as soon as I know it won’t kill you for knowing.”
“I don’t care if I die anymore. Tell. Me. It’s the last thing you can do after your slaughter.”
They’d join their friends and family after all.
It turned to Jackson, “Thank you for being an ounce of cooperative.”
@twelve-starry-eyes
I think we're all trying. Just also wanting to keep you alive.
*The pieces have already clicked for me.*
*my only question will be why.*
@waylay-managment-2
“They will kill you the moment I start talking.”
“Let them kill me. Let them bring me with my friends and family but if I’m going to die, let know die knowing what’s going on. Besides, there’s wards against them no, isn’t there?”
How..did he know that?
@twelve-starry-eyes
Anthony! You don't get it, when someone in the waylay dies, it hurts this entire pocket dimension and my little sibling. I'm not willing to trade your life when it's compleatly avoidable, especially when I don't want to see Wil hurt as well.
I don't want to think about the toll it would take on them.
*I still think of Yves*
As for the Wards... that isn't my business. That is The Managers business and no one elses, Anthony.
@waylay-managment-2
“The wards can’t stop them from killing you remotely.”
@ant-fella
“Not my business? So, it’s not my business to know what the fuck is happening TO ME? To know why I can’t remember most of my life and now I’m being told all of this stuff that I supposedly did that makes zero sense? Yeah, because that’s TOTALLY not my business,” he threw his hands up in exasperation.
“Take me out of here and into some place I won’t impact the waylay. I just need to know.”
He sounded furious but above all, it was desperation, grief, and distress. He didn’t want to hurt anyone. He was just terrified.
@twelve-starry-eyes
Anthony, I know you and Helm don't care about if you live or die... but I do.
Dad... is there any middle ground here?
@waylay-managment-2
“The middle ground is that Rosa is currently investigating the entity and I am as well, but if it impacts anyone again I’m going to brute force my way into making it stop, and after I do that I will happily explain everything.”
@ant-fella
He stiffened.
“Will anyone get hurt in the process of that?”
Helm blinked and they could practically see the light bulb ignite, “I could be a spy in the investigation!”
@twelve-starry-eyes
The bat kid came bearing gifts this time. It knocked on their door with a basket in hand full of baked goods like something out of red riding hood.
-🦇
*Evelyn answered the door and smiled.*
"Hello, little one. Come in."
@ant-fella
The kid had a mouthful of a blueberry muffin and they offered the basket to her in its entirety. It wasn’t limping at all, which was good.
“For you!” It mumbled around the muffin.
"Thank you, this is very kind."
*She took the basket and set it on the kitchen counter.*
"Can I open it now or is it a surprise for later?"
Their wings flapped happily.
“For now! My mama made them because you patched me all better.”
"Well, tell your mama I said thank you."
*She opened the basket to see what was inside.*
It was all individually wrapped baked goods from banana bread to cinnamon scones. The kid had clearly stolen a blueberry muffin on its way here given by how it was still in the wrapping.
“She wanted me to make sure you know that her household isn’t gluten, egg, or dairy free so be careful! Same with nuts too. I’ll tell my mama you said thank you though.”
"This was very kind of her. I'll make sure to let my own children know so none of this goes to waste."
*She moved the basket onto the kitchen island so it was in plain view.*
"How have you been doing since your last unfortunate visit, little one?"
“Five men showed up at my door but I shot them,” it stared at the floor, hugging itself. “We put them into our graveyard. Theyre all cozy in one grave now…”
"Oh, that must've been really hard to do. I'm very sorry."
*Just the one grave? Eh. If they were trying to hurt the child, they probably didn't deserve the respect of separate graves. Or maybe there wasn't space in the graveyard.*
"Is it okay if I give you a hug?"
“Mhm…”
The kid looked like all the life had been drained for it as it reached up for a hug. All it wanted was a break, not this. It wanted to fly around like it did tonight in the cool night air.
Tears were brimming without it realizing.
*Evelyn hoisted the child into her arms to give it a big'ol bear hug, wiping away its tears.*
"There you go, it's okay. Would you like a snack or anything? Something to drink?"
“Where is the other woman..? Did my surgery.”
It sniffled and looked up at her.
"Ah, Naga. She's my wife, and she's upstairs in our room, asleep. So are my children. I wasn't sleeping well, so I was down here instead. Why do you ask?"
“You don’t have a lot of people in your house. It’s weird,” it grumbled.
“I live is a giant house with hundreds of other bats. Your home is tiny and only has a few people.”
"I'm sure it does seem weird to you, but it's my normal. I'd get overwhelmed in a house like yours. It's all about perspective, little one."
*She leaned in as if to tell the child a secret.*
"Don't tell anybody, but I'm shy. I don't like crowds all that much."
The kid giggled and pretended to zip its lips, wings flapping happily behind it for a moment.
“Shhhh, your secret is safe with me! I dunno. I really like having a lot of people because when it’s super duper cold out then we all just huddle together really tight like this.”
It squeezed her as hard as it could, which wasn’t hard at all.
*She squeezed back, not nearly as hard as she could.*
"That must be super cozy. It sounds really nice, but I can see it being a little too warm in the summer to do that."
“Nuh uh! We just do it with our AC on full blast. We have to do it to sleep now because it’s normal and otherwise we might lose eachother. We have a sleeping cave!”
"I see! That makes a lot of sense. I think sleeping with my family in one big group would be really nice. Are there other children your age back at home?"
“Mhm! There’s Martha and Johnny and Leo and Beckham and Tony and Bridgett and Jami and Allie and Lily and Kennedy and Sally and Lazari and Jack and Jason and Jeff and Jane and Jello and Jellyfish and Jane number two and Jane number three and number four and five and many more!”
It smiled.
“I could bring them all here!”
*She chuckled.*
"Perhaps you could, but I think it'd be a little crowded in here with all of you running about. The next time you visit, you can bring a few of them along."
“How much is a few? Like…half of them? I think the crowding would be nice!”
"It could be, but I don't want my children to feel overwhelmed with so many people being in their house at once. I'd say a few would be far fewer than what you're thinking, I'm afraid. I'd say that'd be up to three others with you."
“Hmmm…what if they stay outside?”
"That would be okay, but I'd have to ask that no more than three of them, not including you, come in the house at any time. I wouldn't want to lose track of any of them."
“Our parents lose track of us all the time so it’s fine! I didn’t see my mama for two months then now she’s always watching me. It’s annoying.”
"It must be, but I'd feel responsible if anything happened to any of you. I'd want to make sure you all stay safe."
“Stuff happens all the time! It’s okay! They’ll all be completely fine.”
"Whatever you say, little one. Would you like any snacks?"
“No,no, I brought YOU snacks! That’s not how this works.”
*She laughed.*
"You're right, that's on me. Force of habit. Very silly of me to ask."
“Exactly! You eat my food and I’ll steal from you if I—“
Knock. Knock.
The kid perked up.
*Evelyn set the kid down, kneeling to look it in the eye. She put a finger to her lips to indicate that they should whisper.*
"Do you know who that might be?"
“…no…?”
The kid blinked, giant eyes somehow wider. They shrunk into themselves and slowly was turning into their bat form. The bat form was smaller, harder to catch. It was difficult to shoot.
"Okay. It's going to be okay. Fly upstairs as quietly as you can. There's a door that'll be cracked, go inside. That's my room. Naga is in there sleeping. Crawl under the covers. It'll be okay. Go."
They nodded and took off, flying into her room. From downstairs, she could hear them slam against several walls on the way. Ouch.
Once they were there, they flew under the covers and squeaked quietly, landing on Naga’s chest and sprawling their wings out fully. Wake up. Please, wake up.
The knocks grew more insistent.
*Evelyn opened the door, face blank if not a little tired.*
"Hello."
~~~
*Naga shifted a bit and opened her eyes, putting her hand over the kid's body in the form of a hug.*
"Hi. What's wrong?"
The man looked like some sort of government official judging off the suit and pin. His hands were relaxed in his pockets with a kind smile.
“Hello, I was wondering if you have seen a kid about to my waist with bright orange hair and bat wings?”
His tone was gentle, considerate.
“I’m sorry to get you around dinner time.”
—
“There’s a person at the door and Evelyn wanted to me to hide here…” it’s tiny body was trembling.
“I’m scared…I don’t know what to do. I want her to be okay.”
"No, I'm sorry. I have not."
~~~
"Okay. 'S okay baby. You're safe here. Nothin's gonna happen to you."
*She pulled the covers up over it and pat its back.*
He raised an eyebrow, “Really? Because the last sighting saw this kid going into your house. So, where’s the kid?”
—
The bat grumbled and clung on desperately, head tucked in an attempt to stay safe. It’s teeth bit down on her skin, nibbling away as an anxious habit.
*She gave the man a look of mild disdain.*
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean. I've only seen my own children coming and going tonight. You forget yourself, and if you ask me one more nonsensical question, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
~~~
"Ouch. Chew on my shirt kiddo. Not me."
“This is a matter that is way beyond the law. Please, don’t make this more difficult than it has to be. This kid is not something you want to get roped in with.”
He seemed just as tired as she was.
“People are dying.”
—
The kid whined and released the skin before pouting and glancing up at her.
“But the blood…”
And those were the saddest eyes she’s ever seen.
"People die all the time. I've never seen any harm in it."
~~~
*Naga got up, still holding the kid close, and went into the bathroom. She opened the medicine cabinet to reveal a few blood bags.*
"There you go. There's a few different types there just in case. You can have one of these."
“You know Glory, do you not?”
His eyes narrowed.
“I don’t want to start an argument, really, but let’s both sit down and talk about this.”
—
The kids shook its head and bit onto her before letting out a yelp and flapped vigorously. Its scar running down its body was glowing slightly as it whimpered and shook in pain. Their eyes clenched shut in desperation for it to stop.
*Evelyn stepped outside, her body blocking the view into the house. She closed the door behind her.*
"You can sit on the steps."
~~~
*Naga took a few measured breaths before picking the kid up and setting it on her arm.*
"There. You move to a different spot if you start to hit muscle. Okay?"
“Fine by me,” he smiled gently, sitting on the steps of the porch.
His voice was shockingly gentle for someone in his role. He brushed a stray hair out of his face that’d fallen out of the layers of hairspray.
“But you do know Glory, correct?”
—
But the bat’s whining and groaning in pain didn’t stop at the scar shone a brighter and brighter purple. As a matter of fact, it completely slid of her hand and plopped onto the floor while loudly squeaking and flapping around desperately.
"I don't know. I keep to myself. I don't talk to a lot of people, much less ask for their name."
*She wasn't about to make his life easy despite his gentleness.*
~~~
*Shit. Shit fuck fuck fuck fuck. She knew that shade of purple. Shit. She was pissed at Evelyn now. She didn't know what to do. The entity was in her house and she didn't know what to do. Her kids were just down the hall. She didn't want her head to get cut off again. She didn't want the ants.
She dropped to the floor, picking the kid up and holding its mouth to her arm. Please bite her. Please don't let it take over. Don't kill this kid. Don't take her again. Please.*
He sighed and took off his suit jacket, plopping it into his lap.
“I know you know Glory. The kid knows too. I get you aren’t too inclined to socialize but I’m not asking us to be friends, just coworkers.”
He stuck out a hand, “Luciano, Luci for short.”
—
The kid whined and bite down hard, practically taking out a chunk. The glowing burnt her skin, blisters inevitable for the future.
Once the flesh met its tongue, the sizzling of flesh slowed the more its stomach filled. Eventually, it just went limp entirely, whining and drowsily blinking up at her.
*She stared at Luci's hand with disinterest, folding her own behind her back.*
"Cut to the chase. What do you want?"
~~~
*She hissed in pain and cradled the kid as she started first aid on the bite.*
“Alright, alright, I catch your drift. We need to go elsewhere to talk. The kid has exceptional hearing and this isn’t exactly a discussion for their ears. Take me wherever so long as it’s far enough away.”
—
The baby whined and looked vaguely like a baby who was ‘milk-drunk’.
“I’m sorry…”
"I don't feel comfortable going somewhere, anywhere, with a man I don't know."
~~~
"'S okay. 'S okay. Just burned. Nothin' to worry 'bout."
*She finished cleaning and wrapping the wound before gently rocking the kid.*
“I can always get a female agent. I’m willing to have this discussion here but…”
He pulled out his phone and typed out ‘we may have to sedate the kid’
—
The bat relaxed but never stopped worrying entirely. It crawled up her body onto her shoulder and took off to go by the window, barely out of sight if they were to look up.
“They’re talking about me…”
It shouldn’t be able to hear that.
"Correction: I'm not going anywhere with anyone I don't know. I'd rather stay home tonight."
*She mouthed back, 'why?'*
~~~
*She followed the kid to the window.*
"Do you know why?"
“That’s fine by me.”
‘So we can discuss what we need to without prying ears.’
—
The kid shrunk into itself, whining slightly. It knew. It knew but wouldn’t say.
*Evelyn looked at him with sarcastic surprise.*
Obviously Nostradamus. Why make such a big fuss over a child?
*It didn't seem to matter to her whether he knew sign language or not.*
~~~
*Naga sighed and gently stroked its back.*
"Come on. Let's lay down. 'S gonna be okay."
That child is under the same being as Glory. Glory is better at fighting it off. They are not.
He did. The man also knew Spanish and bits of Russian.
—
They flinched whenever she touched the scar and shook its head. No, no, can’t. Can’t go. Can’t do that.
They are a child. They can learn.
~~~
"Hey. You want a hug?"
Which is what we intend to do. We’re just needing for you to give us the kid willingly. It’s less stressful for all of us.
—
The kid nodded, wings tightly wrapped around itself protectively.
Let me go with it. Or take its mother along. It's too young to be all alone.
~~~
*Naga picked the kid up, careful to avoid its scar, and held it. She sat down on the edge of the bed, gently swaying side to side.*
Mother..?
He raised an eyebrow.
What mom?
—
The kid nibbled on her skin before correcting to her shirt collar, leaving a wet mark of saliva.
“Mmmmmm….” It whined
It has told me in the past that it has a mother.
~~~
"'S okay. 'S all gonna be alright."
I can tell you with certainty it does not.
He’s expression was one of concern.
—
“I want them to stop. I want them to stop, please.”
Interesting.
*She didn't look concerned at all.*
~~~
"Sorry baby but I can't make them stop. I know 's rough knowin' they're talkin' 'bout you but it'll be alright."
Let us take it into our custody, okay? You can come with.
He sighed.
—
“They’re silent now…”
Where? What are you going to do to it? Will it be safe? Will it be taken care of?
~~~
"Maybe they're done talkin'. You have real good hearin' kiddo. I couldn't hear them at all."
It will be safe. What we’ll do is something we can only discuss once properly in secret. It will be taken care off.
—
“They call it ears like a bat for a reason,” it giggled. “But I dunno…I hope Evelyn is okay.”
I can't let you take it. Not without telling me what you're going to do. Truthfully.
~~~
"She's strong. She's okay. Or if she isn't then she will be."
We have to study how to extract this being from its body and how to replicate it for others. They would be sedated most of the time to reduce stress and sent back once we ensure safety.
—
It whined and shook its head, “We should check on her.”
You mean Invicta? You can't do that.
~~~
"I don't think you should go with me baby. That man might be after you if they're talkin' 'bout you."
We’ve done it before and will do it again. It’s a matter of replicating this process. Even though Glory knows better on how to fight off the being, she still hardly knows how to. We can’t expect them to magically learn.
—
“I hate them. They deserve to have ice down their shirt.”
It's keeping Glory and the baby alive. What do you think will happen when you take it out of them?
~~~
"True that but 's not a good reason why we should put you in danger to check on Evelyn."
Why do you believe that’s what it’s doing?
He raised an eyebrow.
—
“Mmmmm hate it and I’m still hungry..”
Gods play favorites.
~~~
"Hungry for what exactly? Blood or just anythin'?"
Both of their lives are entirely stable and we have means to make sure they stay that way.
—
It whined and hid its face, shame filling its gut.
What means?
~~~
*Naga sighed, tired.*
"You can have more. Just be careful. Don't wanna get accidentally burned again."
People much like you. People who have powers as well as the best medical tech can offer. We’ll take you with and you can withdrawal the kid if you have reasonable cause from our custody.
—
It shook its head. No. It didn’t want to hurt people. It never wanted to have to do this.
What counts as reasonable cause?
~~~
"Okay. 'S okay. If we stay real quiet we can go downstairs and we can get you a snack."
Any reason you believe, that fits within what most people is reasonable, why they would be in danger.
—
“Must be fresh…”
What do most people find reasonable? What if I'm simply worried?
~~~
"Not that kinda snack. You can have that though. But I was thinkin' more along the lines of a banana or somethin'."
His eyebrow twitched.
How about you ask me your questions in a list on this dandy phone then I answer them, okay? Okay.
He smiled, a bit exhausted.
it’s easier for us both.
—
It stayed quiet. It couldn’t explain it, no, not without sobbing and judgement. All it could do was take the fruit and pretend it satiated its rumbling tummy.
“…okay…”
*She smiled back, vindicated, and took the phone to write down her questions.*
~~~
*Naga started to carry the kid down to the kitchen.*
"Listen kiddo. 'M not mad at you or upset about what you eat. That's okay. One of my daughters 's a werewolf. She eats random stuff all the time. What 'm more concerned about is you gettin' hurt 'cause you accidentally hurt someone by eatin'. Does that make sense?"
He waits patiently for her.
—
“Mmmmm,” it whined and shook its head.
“I’m okay…it’ll be okay.”
It couldn’t tell her.
*She eventually handed the phone back to him. Her questions were:*
Why? Did I ask why already? How do you know this will work? What does the extraction process consist of? Why do you know so much about me? Can you stop knowing so much about me? How many of you are there? What would happen if I killed you? Was the man I killed and ate hunting the child for you? Is Glory aware of your agency's existence? Has she been receptive of your agency? What does she think of you? Are you mortal? Have you followed me to The Waylay? Do you know my husband? What would they think of you? How long would the child and I have to stay? What's your agency called? Why do agencies like you have to be so damn secretive? Why do you think this god won't take revenge when you take away its favorite toys?
~~~
"You're clearly not but I'll drop it for now. What d'you want as a snack?"
Maybe, hitting his head onto a wall right now didnt sound so horrible.
You haven't asked why yet and we're doing this for the safety of this world. Invicta is a being that threatens the safety of billions of people and the very grounds that they live on. Even if you don't care about the people, you are at risk of your home being wrecked with emotional, if not physical, damages to your kids. By trying to extract it and research the kid, we have the possibility of sharing this knowledge with other worlds. You two would stay as long as that takes, so perhaps a week?
The extraction process is one that would primarily focus on those scars on their skin. As far as we're aware, that's Invicta's entrance and exit points in terms of possession.
As for you, we've done research and have a file on you alongside other beings like you. We can't stop knowing about you but we will halt our info-gathering if you so wish.
Our agency isnt something I can touch on as easily but I reassure you, that man you killed isn't associated with us. If you kill me there will just be more like me that come. Glory may know of us but I doubt she does thoroughly. I'm more than willing to introduce myself to her if you so wish.
Due to our data, we have heard faintly about the waylay but we dont know much, especially not about The Manager. I would hope they would think highly of us but theres not much I can assume based on a stranger.
We are well aware Invicta may take revenge but at the same time, we're willing to be sacrifices.
--
"Strawberries..."
Stop your info-gathering. See if Glory wants to talk directly to you. Back off if she doesn't. Why do research on the kid and not Glory, who can actually consent properly? Why can't you touch on your agency? What do you plan on doing to those scars?
~~~
"Okay. Let's get you some strawberries. They're already nice and cut up."
*Naga made a beeline for the kitchen when they got downstairs and got out a container of strawberries. She opened it and held a piece up to the kid.*
Glory is someone that is more directly intertwined with Invicta so we’re unable to get into as direct contact with her. We’ve tried but most of its ‘play things’ are slippery little buggers.
I can touch on my own agency but I would once again rather it be in more private quarters.
As for the scars, it would just be a skin removal then we allow for it to heal. The kid would be under pain killers and sedation.
—
The kid munched down on it, big’ol pupils dilated from the sweet treat.
“Do you have cool whip…?”
There is nothing out here but the animals. Discuss your agency and I will consider telling you where Glory is. How do you know Invicta won't simply give the child more scars?
~~~
"We do. Hang on a sec."
*She dug around in the fridge before getting out the tub of cool whip and opening it.*
Our agency is a government one specifically based on research of supernatural-akin beings and we step in as necessary. That’s the gist of it.
His eyes flickered about, paranoid.
And it’s a gamble for sure but we trust with your ties to the waylay you’ll be able to step in if we can’t. We’re partially asking you to take it into your custody.
—
They practically leapt out of her hold onto the edge of the cool whip, tiny tongue licking up the fluffy substance. It squeaked before diving head first to take a giant bite and surfacing with a ton on its face.
Where would we be going if we went along?
~~~
*Naga stifled a laugh.*
"Need some help there bud?"
About 40 miles south of here. It’s in the middle of the forest so we dont exactly have an address.
—
Its tongue stuck out to lick around its face but there was still a ton on the rest of its head.
“Strawberry, please!” It opened its mouth for food.
Why are you so close to my house? Am I annoying you with all these questions?
~~~
*She picked up a strawberry and held it out to them.*
This facility is one of many that we own. We concentrate in areas with higher activity of supernatural beings and with you, the bat, and that one treehouse that dissapeared, we set up one nearby. Its hardly our main one.
and no, you have a right to ask questions.
--
The kid chomped down on the strawberry in its entirety before taking a massive bite of cool whip. It tried to swallow it in one go only to choke and erupt into a fit of coughing.
Treehouse? I have lived on this mountain for a long time. There has never been a treehouse in these woods.
~~~
"Ope! Careful there baby."
*She pat the kid's back, careful to not touch their scar.*
"Make sure you chew."
Glory’s treehouse?
They raised an eyebrow.
—
The kid coughed it up, spitting it all out on the countertop…ew.
It transformed into its human form, sitting on the counter while swinging its legs. Their wings twitched slightly as they grabbed another strawberry and more cool whip. This time, with a larger, human mouth, it didn’t choke.
“You want some?”
I see. The other, arguably more stable woods. What does your facility look like?
~~~
*Naga wiped down the counter with paper towels.*
"Nah 'm okay. Have at it kiddo."
Like a cabin almost? We mainly work in the basement.
He shrugged.
Anymore questions?
—
It was working at an insane pace, devouring the strawberries and cool whip in record time. It wasn’t even thinking about a tummy ache.
No. Well, yes. Only one more. Does the child know of you and your agency?
~~~
"Might wanna take it slow there bud. Don't want you to get a bellyache."
As far as I’m aware? No.
—
“But it’s yummy…” it pouted.
*Evelyn thought for a while.*
Alright. I will go get it.
*She disappeared into the house.*
~~~
"You'll hurt your belly if you eat too fast."
*Evelyn came over to Naga and the child.*
"Hey, little one. It's a nice night. Would you like to take a walk with me?"
He nodded and waited patiently.
—
The bat blinked and tilted its head.
“The man is still out there? Are we walking with him?”
